System and method for color preparation and management

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula that defines instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and add colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) to a receptacle on the scale, in accordance with the instructions, using current product packaging, such that specialized packaging requirements are not required.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/672,584, filed Nov. 8, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/557,611, filed Nov. 9, 2011, whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/672,584 is also a continuation in part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/081,147, filed Apr. 6, 2011, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/446,123, filed Feb.24, 2011, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S.application Ser. No. 13/672,584 is also a continuation in part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/371,928, filed Feb. 13, 2011, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/442,553, filed Feb.14, 2011, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S.application Ser. No. 13/672,584 is a continuation in part application ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/986,448, filed Jan. 7, 2011, which ishereby incorporated by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/672,584is also a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/278,374,filed Oct. 21, 2011, which is a continuation in part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/086,140, filed Apr. 13, 2011, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/672,584 is alsoa continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/267,171, filedOct. 6, 2011, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/086,140, filed Apr. 13, 2011, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/672,584 is alsoa continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/086,140, filedApr. 13, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional applicationSer. No. 61/442,553, filed Feb. 14, 2011, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/086,140 is a continuation in partapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/986,448, filed Jan. 7, 2011,which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/849,427,filed Aug. 3, 2010, which is a continuation in part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/396,050, filed Mar. 2, 2009, which claimspriority to both U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/033,053, filedMar. 3, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/115,960,filed Nov. 19, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method and system that combinescomponents to produce desired hair dye or other desired formulations.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure can be used in various fields and have variousapplications. In one such field, namely, cosmetics and hair dyepreparations, the current field packages hair dyes in small containers,including but not limited to, various sizes of tubes and bottles. Theyfurther provide salons with recipe chart(s) that show how much ofingredient “A” is to be mixed with how much of ingredients “B” and “C”and “D” to produce the desired end color. To produce the desired color,the colorist must first locate the required ingredients. This can be achallenge unto itself at a busy salon with multiple colorists. Inaddition, with as many as 60 or more ingredients in each manufacturer'scolorant lines, using the correct materials in the right amounts is veryimportant. After selecting the color to be used, the next step is tosqueeze or pour the approximate amounts of each ingredient into a mixingbowl. Various coarse measurement techniques are currently used, so thereis very little control over the end product. This current methodemployed by most salons lacks precision and control and does not ensurecorrect results. Stock color recipes are listed on a color chartprovided by the colorant manufacturer. Color formulations are oftenadjusted to suit a particular customer's needs. These custom colors aretypically recorded on 3×5 cards or other manually prepared means andfiled away for future reference. The drawbacks to this approach include:inaccurate volumetric measurements (“. . . add . . . add ½ capful . . .” “squeeze tube to line . . . ”); end results that are highly dependenton operator skill level or chance; no controls are available to monitoroutcomes; and reliance on hand-written customer records that have nobackups; as well as the whole process being devoid of meaningfulinformation and control. Overall, this creates a cluttered, improper,and disorganized process totally devoid of accurate measurement.

Fully-automatic, computer-controlled dispensers designed for haircoloring materials were introduced in the 1990's to address theweaknesses of the current hand-mixing process. Most of these models soldfor $10,000 to $20,000, making these dispensers unaffordable forvirtually all salons. These dispensers automatically measured thecorrect amount of each ingredient with great precision and a softwaredatabase stored the stock color recipes as well as specially createdblends, and since the formulation and customer information were storedelectronically, locating the required information was easy. Files couldalso be backed up so valuable customer history data was more secure andeasily shared with other locations.

However, these earlier automatic dispensers had one very seriousdrawback; they required specially-designed internal storage bags for thevarious color components. These containers typically were designed tohold one or two liters and were specially constructed to eliminate thepossibility of air infiltration, which could oxidize and ruin the dye.Unfortunately, the required bulk packaging further requiredmanufacturers to incur very sizeable, multi-million dollar capital coststo add additional manufacturer's filling lines and to produce thespecial containers. Additionally, major drawbacks of the automaticdispensers included their high cost, extreme complexity, highmaintenance requirements, and cost for hair color producers to adopt dueto specialized packaging requirements (e.g., the requirement that haircolor producers incur high cost capital investments to meet theautomatic dispensers' unique packaging requirements). Therefore, theproject was deemed uneconomical and did not go forward. This failurecreated a need for a much simpler, more cost-effective approach whicheliminates the drawbacks of earlier designs.

When a person needs to blend or mix a number of components, the need toeliminate waste, create a cost-effective approach to aid the user, andprovide a process that produces the desired mixture is highly desired.There is a need to provide a monitored approach, coupled with accuratemeasurement means to eliminate the potential for error and improveoverall accuracy, while producing accurate measurements and informationto control the whole process.

SUMMARY

One or more of the embodiments in the present disclosure aim to bringcontrol to an otherwise un-controlled process at a substantial reducedcost (about $2500-$3500). One or more of the current embodiments solvesproblems that have existed but have never been solved since thedevelopment of professional hair coloring salons. The new monitoredapproach disclosed herein includes a computer-driven system withprecision scale, a computer-based recipe management system, and optionalstorage to manage and protect blending ingredients, and will, ifnecessary, lock to minimize theft, as well as a color management systemfor the combination of components to produce a desired mixture, alongwith the management of the components, information, and businessesdealing with the same. Every color management system has a blendingstation with the company's proprietary color blending managementsoftware. The blending station includes a keyboard, LCD screen (whichmay be a touch screen) and a scale in communication with the computer toprovide feedback on exactly how much of each ingredient has actuallybeen added to the batch. The computer-driven system may also containstorage drawers or other receptacles to organize and store theindividual blending components. Each receptacle may have an LED or otherindicator to simplify product selection, which is controlled by thecomputer-driven system. Each receptacle may also have electronicallycontrolled locking mechanisms, which are also driven by the system toreduce theft. In addition, the color management system can be enhancedwith an optional bar code reader to verify the ingredients against thecolor recipe and to facilitate inventory control.

In one embodiment, there is provided a color management system forpreparation of mixtures, such as, but not limited to, hair dye mixtures,personal care product mixtures, and the like. The color managementsystem includes a computer-driven system having at least a memory, inputcontrols, and a display. The memory has the capacity to store at leastone mixture formula for the mixing of one or more components, such as,but not limited to, colorants, dyes, and/or blending materials. Thecolor management system also includes a scale communicating with thecomputer system to monitor a weight on the scale and providesinformation on changes thereto. In addition, the computer system, uponreceiving an input for a creation of a mixture, displays a formulationof the mixture indicating the component(s) and amount(s) needed tocreate the desired mixture.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for preparing a hair dyemixture. The method includes having a scale and control system incommunication with each other. The control system provides for a memoryand a display, wherein the memory contains a formula defininginstructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays theinstructions on the display. The user may then view the display ofinstructions and then adds to a receptacle on the scale, colorant(s) anddye blending material(s) in accordance with the instructions by usinghair color manufacturers' standardized packaging, such thatnon-standardized or specialized packaging of colorants and/or dyeblending materials are not required.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer system that monitorschanges in the weight on the scale and adjusts (i.e., recalculates) theformulation when a weight of a component added to the mixture isdifferent (larger or smaller) than a recommended formulated amount andthe computer system receives an input to adjust the formulas to thenewly-determined reconfigured weight of the component. The computersystem may also monitor changes in the weight on the scale and displaysa difference between a recommended formulated amount of a component andan amount of the component added and measured by the scale. Thedifferences displayed may also be measured down to a zeroed amount leftto indicate how much additional of each other component is needed to beadded to reach the recommended formulation. The computer system may alsobe linked to the salon's management software to exchange information oncustomers and formulas associated with particular customers. Thecomputer system may store in the memory any changes in the formulationof the mixture. The computer system may also store in the memory anychanges in the formulation of the mixture and send the changes in theformulation of the mixture to the salon's management software.

Yet in other aspects, the color management system may adjust theformulation of a mixture upon receiving an input on a total amount ofmixture required or a strength of the mixture. Yet further aspectsprovide for receiving an input that the mixture is a custom color, thecustom color software acts to display a listing of components andblending materials, activates indicator(s) for particular selectedcomponent(s), monitors a separate amount and a total amount of thecomponents placed in the bowl or other container, and stores aformulated mixture upon receiving an input that the mixture is acceptedand completed.

In still another embodiment, the operator enters a customer name intothe computer which displays the customer's history, which may includethe formulas stored and previously used for the customer. If this is anew customer, a history file is created and the operator selects desiredcomponents from a pallet chart, recipe book, or customer history file;enters the required amount of finished components and finally theactivator strength is selected. The operator is instructed to place anempty batch bowl on the scale and the system then prompts the operatorfor the first component, and an LED or other indicator adjacent to thecorresponding receptacles is illuminated and/or the receptaclesautomatically are unlocked and/or opened. The operator adds the amountindicated on the display panel, while the scale monitors exactly howmuch has been added and provides feedback to the operator as to when tostop adding, leading to an extremely accurate dispense. After returningthe bottle, tube, or other container to the designated storagereceptacle, the operator presses “next,” which closes and locks thestorage receptacle, and the next LED or other indicator is activated andthe corresponding next receptacle is unlocked and/or opened to provideaccess to the next ingredient. Bar code readers can also be used tocontrol the ingredient solution and control process. Afterwards, a batchrecord is placed in the customer's history file.

In yet another embodiment, a method for preparing a hair dye mixtureuses a scale in communication with a control system, wherein the controlsystem includes a processor, a memory, and a display. The memorycontains software configured to receive a formula defining instructionsfor blending a hair dye mixture using one or more hair dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for producing a pre-defined batch sizeof the hair dye mixture. The method includes: displaying ingredientdispensing instructions on the display for producing the hair dyemixture; monitoring a weight on the scale as hair dye blending materialsare added to a receptacle on the scale in accordance with saidinstructions; calculating information associated with the hair dyemixture when a weight of a colorant or dye blending material being addedto the scale is different than the amount recommended in the formula forthe pre-defined batch size; and displaying the calculated informationassociated with the hair dye mixture on the display.

In one embodiment, the calculated information associated with the hairdye mixture includes a first graphic indicator on the display, whereinthe first graphic indicator informs a user of the dispensed weight ofthe first ingredient based on the weight measured by the scale bydynamically graphically filling the first graphic indicator with aprogress graphic corresponding to the dispensed formula weight of thefirst ingredient. In some embodiments, the first and second graphicindicators are the same shape with the same dimensions, while in otherembodiments, the first and second graphic indicators have differentvirtual volumes. In one embodiment, measurement lines or hash marks aredisplayed on the first and second graphic indicators to inform the userof the virtual volume of the first graphic indicator and the secondgraphic indicator. In another embodiment, the virtual volume of thefirst graphic indicator is different from the virtual volume of thesecond graphic indicator.

Continuing, in still another embodiment, the method for preparing a hairdye mixture uses a scale in communication with a control system, thecontrol system including a memory and a display. The memory containing aformula defining ratios between a plurality of hair dye ingredientscorresponding to a first color system. The method includes: receivinginput from a user to convert a first color system mixture to a secondcolor system mixture, wherein conversion instructions are stored on thememory; converting the first color system formula to the second colorsystem formula corresponding based on the conversion instructionsthereby enabling the user to create the first color system formula withingredients from the second color system; displaying the instructionsfor producing the hair dye mixture on the display, including recommendedamounts of the hair dye blending materials to be added to the scale;monitoring a weight on the scale as hair dye blending materials areadded to a receptacle on the scale in accordance with said instructions;and indicating on the display the recommended amounts of the hair dyeblending materials in comparison to the amounts that have been added tothe scale.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises validating the hair dyeblending materials being adding to the receptacle by comparing a haircolor manufacturers' component packaging being used against the hair dyeblending materials in the formula to ensure and validate accurateproduction of the hair dye mixture. Continuing, the conversioninstructions may be editable by the user. In some embodiments, the firstcolor system is a first brand and the second color system is a secondbrand made by the same manufacturer. In other embodiments, the firstcolor system is a first brand and the second color system is a secondbrand made by different manufacturers. In yet other embodiments, themethod further comprises indicating to the user that the first colorsystem formula has been converted to the second color system.

Referring now to another method for preparing a hair dye mixture, themethod uses a scale in communication with a control system, the controlsystem including a memory and a display. The memory containing a formulafor blending a hair dye mixture using one or more hair dye blendingmaterials and dispensing amounts recommended for producing a pre-definedbatch size of the hair dye mixture using pre-defined haircharacteristics. The method includes: receiving user input that includesone or more selected hair characteristics, wherein the one or moreselected hair characteristics are used to determine batch sizes andassociated dispense amounts; indicating on the display the recommendedamounts of the hair dye blending materials in comparison to the amountsthat have been added to the scale; monitoring a weight on the scale ashair dye blending materials are added in accordance with the formula;calculating the dispense amounts of the hair dye mixture for an adjustedbatch size when the one or more selected hair characteristics generate adifferent batch size than the pre-defined batch size; and displaying thecalculated dispense amounts on the display for the adjusted batch size.

The one or more selected hair characteristics may include hair texture,hair length, amount of hair regrowth, amount of gray, natural haircolor, current hair color, non-chemically damaged hair, chemicallydamaged hair, or physically damaged hair. The one or more haircharacteristics selectable by the user depend on whether the user is anovice, intermediate, advanced, or expert stylist. In some embodiments,the method further comprises analyzing, by a processor, a picture of theclient, wherein the processor selects one or more hair characteristicsbased on the picture analysis. In some embodiments, the one or more haircharacteristics selected by the processor override the one or more haircharacteristics selected by the user.

In still another embodiment, a method for preparing a hair dye mixturealso uses a scale in communication with a control system. The controlsystem includes a memory and a display, the memory containing a formulafor blending a hair dye mixture using one or more hair dye blendingmaterials and dispensing amounts recommended for producing a pre-definedbatch size of the hair dye mixture. The method includes: displayingingredient dispensing instructions on the display for producing the hairdye mixture; monitoring a weight on the scale as hair dye blendingmaterials are added in accordance with the formula; calculating dispenseamounts for ingredients of the hair dye mixture for an adjusted batchsize when a weight of a hair dye blending material being added to thescale is different than the amount recommended in the formula for thepre-defined batch size; and displaying the calculated dispense amount onthe display for the adjusted batch size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system designed tocontrol a process for mixing components, which includes a mixing stationand optional storage receptacles;

FIG. 1B is a first and cross sectional view of the embodiment from FIG.1A;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a receptacle from FIG. 1A showing storageareas for the components;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designed tocontrol a process for mixing components, illustrated in use on apedestal;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designed tocontrol a process for mixing components, illustrated in use with curvedreceptacle storage areas;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designed tocontrol a process for mixing components, illustrated in use withreceptacles with a change in the LED indicators;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a receptacle from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designed tocontrol a process for mixing components, illustrated in use with slottedtubes as opposed to receptacles;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designed tocontrol a process for mixing components, illustrated in use with slottedtubes as opposed to receptacles;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the slotted tubes from FIG. 7 or FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designedto control a process for mixing components;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bar code scanner used in one or moreof the system embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designedto control a process for mixing components, illustrated in use with amodular system with at least detached storage receptacles;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the creation of a new hair dyeformula;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the creation of a custom color;and

FIG. 15 is a system illustration showing various software components andtheir relationship to the system;

FIG. 16 is a system illustration showing various software components andtheir relationship to the system;

FIG. 17 is a system illustration showing various software components andtheir relationship to the system;

FIG. 18 is a system illustration showing various software components andtheir relationship to the system;

FIG. 19 is a system illustration showing various software components andtheir relationship to the system;

FIG. 20 is an embodiment showing a particular bin structure capable ofbeing included in the various system embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 22 is a screen shot of a color ingredient mixing system display.

FIG. 23 shows a screenshot of a screen associated with a “Log-In” GUImodule according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 24A-C show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Client Selection” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 25A-E show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Client History” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 26A-D show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Client Information” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 27A-B show various screenshots of screens associated with a “BatchSizing” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 28A-I show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Create New Formula” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIG. 28J shows a screenshot of a screen associated with a “ModifyFormula” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 29A-B show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Create New Formula” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 30A-J show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Dispense Formula” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 31A-E show various screenshots of screens associated with a“Weigh-Out” GUI module according to one embodiment.

FIG. 32 shows a pop-up associated with a “User Session Time-Out” GUImodule according to one embodiment.

FIG. 33 shows one embodiment of a user's navigational flow between thedifferent GUI modules disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While the present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments in manydifferent forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be describedherein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to beconsidered an exemplification of the principles of the presentdisclosure and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of thepresent disclosure, claims and/or embodiments illustrated.

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is shown anddescribed a system designed to control a process for mixing componentsand which brings control to an otherwise un-controlled process. Thecomponents can be various ingredients to a mixture, such as, dyes usedfor blending hair dye mixtures, components used for blending personalbeauty products, foods, and the like. The methods disclosed herein maybe for preparing a hair dye, nail polish, lip gloss, shampoo,conditioner, soap, lotion, wax, fragrance, cream, body wash mixture, andthe like. By definition throughout, the method may be performed as amanual process, semi-manual, or automatic process.

In a manual process, the stylist manually adds the components of themixtures to a bowl by following instructions provided. The stylist willthus retrieve the individual components from receptacles and squeeze thecontents into the bowl or other container on the scale. In a semi-manualprocess, the stylist is still retrieving the components from thereceptacles. However, the addition of the component contents into thebowl may be with the aid of mechanical help such as an extruder,mechanical squeezer, and the like. In a limited aspect, an automaticprocess may also be covered by the method if the automatic machineretrieved standardized packaging components (as defined below) fromstorage or the receptacles. This can be conceived if a machine arm withpinchers is automatically controlled to retrieve the packagingcomponents from storage areas and then returned the components afteruse.

Continuing to refer to the method, it is further defined to include ascale and control system in communication with each other. The controlsystem provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory containsa formula defining instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. Asnoted, the method displays the instructions on the display. The stylistmay then view the display of instructions and then adds to the bowl orreceptacle on the scale colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) inaccordance with the formula or other instructions while using hair colormanufacturers' standardized packaging, such that non-standardized orspecialized packaging of colorants and/or dye blending materials are notrequired.

As defined throughout this application, the term manufacturers'standardized packaging is a significant concept and is defined herein asthe structural configuration of the packaging components that containthe colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) (e.g., the shape, size,configuration, design, formation, and the like of the tubes, bottles,bags, cartridges, receptacles, or other generally used containers),which are generally available to many professional salons through normaldistribution channels, and which typically have a long history of use.The manufacturers' standardized packaging may also be described as thepre-existing, presently used, commonly used, widely used, and/orprevalent structural configuration of the packaging components thatcontain the colorant(s) and dye blending material(s), as well as anyother ingredients. In some embodiments, the manufacturers' standardizedpackaging is configured to be air-tight so as to prevent the oxidizationof material included inside the packaging. However, the hair dyepreparation system disclosed herein also may be employed with materialsthat are not subject to oxidation, and thus, do not require air-tightpackaging.

As stated above, the hair dye preparation system disclosed hereinpreferably uses the pre-existing packaging, which is used currently byone or more color manufacturers, and which has not been speciallydesigned to use with color preparation systems of any kind. In thismanner, the hair dye preparation system typically uses packagingcomponents that are generally employed by a significant percentage ofcolor manufacturers throughout the world, or any particular area of theworld, region, or other territory. Preferably, but not necessarily, thehair dye preparation system does not use packaging components thatrequire new and/or customized designs, special features, or specialmanufacturing methods or facilities.

The standardized packaging is contrasted with non-standardized orspecialized packaging, which is defined as custom packaging of rawmaterial designed for specific applications or specific machines used inthe hair-dye industry and which require specific sizes, quantities, orcharacteristics of containers and raw materials, and not generallyavailable to the industry, but rather to only one or a few industryparticipants. For example, an automatic hair dye mixing and dispensingmachine will require specialized packaging of the raw materials in orderto fit and be compatible with the automatic dispensing machine. The factthat the currently disclosed embodiments of the color management systemis compatible with the manufacturers' standardized packaging of thecolorant(s) and dye blending material(s) enables this system to avoidthe required use of expensive specialized packaging or other specializedrequirements.

In some embodiments, the contents of the manufacturers' standardizedpackaging of the colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) are extractedby pouring or compression, either manually using methods such ascompression or pressure, or by using various types of devices. Thedevices may be manual, automatic, or otherwise (e.g., spooning), whichcause the removal of the colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) from acontainer and onto a scale (either immediately or ultimately).

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the system is shown that isgenerally referenced as number 100. The system 100 includes organizedstorage of the components 110 (such as in one example, color blendingingredients), a computer-driven system 120, and a small electronic scale130 to be used in monitoring the mixing or blending process. Inaddition, the system may, but need not, include self contained pumps 140and/or tanks, to add common activators or ingredients, such asperoxides. The computer-driven system 120 includes one or moreprocessors configured to execute instructions (e.g., code) stored inmemory or received from an external source. When executed, theinstructions provide the functionality described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1-13, a number of different embodiments of the system100 are illustrated. Each system 100 contains a number of bins, drawers,or receptacles 200 to organize and store the individual components, suchas blending dye ingredient containers/tubes 205. Each receptacle 200 hasan associated LED or other indicator 210 driven by the system 220. Asmall digital scale 130 is electrically connected to the system 220 toprovide feedback to the system 220 on exactly how much of a giveningredient or activator was added to the specific batch.

While not necessarily the preferred embodiment, it is possible toinclude several small reservoirs 225 of common ingredients, such asbases and additives, stored within a storage area 230. The reservoirs225 are coupled with metering pumps 235 to measure the commoningredients which eject from nozzles 237 into a mixture batch. Pumpingchannels 240 are also automatically controlled by the system 220. Asillustrated, the common ingredients are either manually added or in thecase of the above pumping system, automatically pumped into a mixingbowl 245.

One embodiment would be as follows:

(a) an operator enters/views the customer name or other identifyingcharacteristic into the system 220 via an integral keyboard 250 ortouchpad and display panel 255;

(b) the system 220 has a memory storing customer information and/orhistory of the customer's mixtures, such as a specific or predefinedcolor scheme; the system similarly allows editing, adding, and deletingof customer information or formula;

(c) the operator may either select a previously stored desired finishedmixture or dye color from the customer history, or from an availablelist of known ingredients, formulate a new formula;

(d) the operator is then prompted to enter the required amount offinished product (e.g., whether the operator needs 1 ounce, 2 ounces, orthe like of different ingredients);

(e) the operator is then instructed to place an empty batch mixing bowl245 on the scale 130;

(f) the system 220 will then illuminate or activate an LED or other typeof indicator 210 adjacent to a corresponding receptacle, prompting theoperator to select the specific component needed for the mixture(optionally, the system may control locking mechanisms on thereceptacles to electronically open/close or lock/unlock the desiredstorage receptacles);

(g) the operator adds the amount of component that is indicated on thedisplay panel 255 to the bowl 245 (While the amount is being added, thecomputer system 220 monitors the scale 130 to determine exactly how muchhas been added. The display panel 255 indicates how close the additionis to the target weight by displaying how much more must be added andprovides feedback to the operator. This may be done by graphic or othertypes of indicators as noted herein. In one aspect, the graphic itselfcan be set such that regardless of the total amount that is needed (1oz. or 5 oz.), the graphic will appear the same size on the display. Theamount with which the graphic is filled will be scaled to accommodatethe total amount needed. In comparison, a graphic showing a 1 oz. amountwill fill at a faster rate than a graphic showing a 5 oz. amount.);

(h) after returning the component and closing the designated storagedrawer/receptacle, the operator presses “next” (or any key specified bythe computer system), and the next receptacle LED or other indicator isactivated or illuminated, or the receptacle is unlocked along with therequired amount of the next component or ingredient;

(i) steps (f) and (g) are repeated until all of the required componentsor color ingredients and activators have been added; and

(j) once the batch has been completed, the precise amount of allingredients is recorded into the customer's history file.

Had this been a custom blended mixture, a separate software functionwould be selected. Under this function, the operator would tell thesystem which ingredients were being added or deleted, and the systemwould record the exact amount of each addition or deletion via theintegrated scale. When the batch was complete, a record of the customblend would be stored in the customer's history file.

It is herein noted that any type of computer system having a memorystorage area, processor to run various programs, and other componentswell known in the computer industry can be used by the embodimentsherein. The system can be wired or wirelessly communicating with theplurality of storage receptacles to control the LED or other indicators210 or other lighting, electronic locks, opening/closing and/or soundelements to help identify the specific receptacle(s) the operator willbe using and the required amount to be manually dispensed into the bowl245 to mix the specific components. Further, the system is wired orwirelessly communicating with the electronic scale 130 and the monitor255 to identify and display to the operator how much of a specificamount of component needs to be added into the bowl 245 and wired orwirelessly communicating with the storage receptacles when used.

On return visits, information stored would be available to preciselyre-create the mixture. This concept revolutionizes the way a mixture isproduced, and especially when applied to salons. It replaces a messy,uncontrolled mixing process with an easy-to-use, guided process toproduce the exact mixture (such as an exact color of hair dye) timeafter time.

The systems can be configured in various manners. For example asillustrated in FIG. 1, the system is a counter-top model, while FIG. 3shows a free standing model 270 with a stand 275 so the system can standon the floor. FIG. 4. shows a corner top model 280 with storagereceptacle areas 285 that have curved sections 290. In addition, FIG. 22shows various embodiments of the system with storage receptacles. InFIGS. 5-6, an alternative system 300 is shown with receptacles 305 thatinclude LED indicators 310 on the bottom of each receptacle (as opposedto in the center, shown in the previous embodiments). In addition, ineach embodiment the storage receptacles can be an optional piece to thesystem.

In FIGS. 7-9, a system 400 is shown that includes the same componentsand functionality as the previous embodiments, except the receptaclesare replaced with opened receptacle structures 405 that are secured intoopenings 410 on the side storage areas 415. The ends 420 of the tubeswould include an LED indicator 425 controlled by the system 220.

The present embodiment has one or more of the following benefits overprior art systems: it eliminates mixing or blending errors; the systemensures accuracy; the simple, manual-controlled process produces perfectresults regardless of operator's skill level or experience; the systemmaintains customer histories, so customer formulations can be preciselyrepeated time after time; using the system, even custom formulations arerecorded for future reference; the system makes control independent ofthe operator, so should a colorist leave a salon, the exact color can berecreated; giving the salon greater control over customer retention orindividual requests; the scale coupled with the control software cancorrect for over-dispensed ingredients, preventing wasted materials andoff-shades; the system is compatible with current manufacturingprocesses and product packaging; the system brings tidiness andorganization to an otherwise very messy process and would save counterspace; and the control software can track material usage to helpeliminate shrinkage, provide easier management reports, estimates futureingredient or inventory needs, and secures the materials and/ordiscourages employee theft.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, in another aspect, the system wouldcontrol a display to indicate a remaining weight required during thedispensing of the component. As the component is being added to the bowl245, the display 255 indicates how much of the component remains to beadded, by counting up or down to the target weight. Various kinds ofanalog indicators (discussed in greater detail below) can be displayedto more effectively communicate the remaining material to be added. Whenthe operator presses “next” on the system, the system would illuminatethe next LED (and/or opens the next drawer) and also recalibrate thescale to zero and indicate to the operator how much of the nextcomponent needs to be added. Again, as the operator adds the nextcomponent, the system leads the operator through the blending process.

An optional barcode scanner 450 could be provided to verify the correctcomponent SKU prior to use and to facilitate inventory control. The barcode scanner may also help keep track of the product and make sure theoperator is using the correct product. For example, if the systemidentifies a particular product in a particular receptacle, theoperator, after retrieving the product, would scan the product. Thesystem would check to make sure the actual product scanned is thecorrect product identified by the system for use. Other types ofscanning equipment may be employed such as RFID scanners.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, the system 475 may haveseparate receptacle storage areas 480, shown in FIG. 12, as a moremodular system setup. The separate storage areas 480 and the mainconsole area 475 would communicate either wirelessly or through wiredconnections. This would allow one or more consoles 475 to communicateand direct the receptacle storage areas 480 to turn on and off the LEDor other indicators 485, in order to illustrate which receptacle toretrieve the required components 490; and keep track of the quantitiesof components for re-ordering purposes. In addition, it would thus bepossible to just use a console without the storage receptacles.

In another embodiment, the system 100 may be used in conjunction withmanagement software. The elements of a basic management package would beshared by the system application including the ability to access andshare customer data, customer history, inventory data, and provide usagereports by stylist, customer, salon, and store. This could be a separatesolution linked to the present disclosure or completely integratedtherewith as a single system.

The management software packages maintain basic customer data such asname, telephone number, email address, and the like. History data wouldinclude service date, services provided, user, notes and perhapsphotographs. The system may be able to maintain a separate dispensehistory file, but will be capable of sharing this information with themanagement software packages for inclusion with customer historyrecords. In addition, the management software packages may haveinventory modules and product usage that would need to be reported.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 13 and 14, one or more of the presentembodiments will be referenced in the given flow diagrams to illustratevarious inputs and outputs from a given system. The use of blendingcontrol software is also described below.

In use with one or more of the present embodiments and an availablemanagement software, operation of the system could typically proceed inthe following steps:

(a) an operator may need to identify or log onto the system and then theoperator enters the customer name or other identifying characteristic(i.e., telephone number, and the like.) into the blending controlsoftware, BOX 500;

(b) the blending control software would act to control and display thecustomer's history information (However, if this is a new customer (BOX505), the blending control software would permit the operator to createa new history file (BOX 510).);

(c) the operator then selects desired components (BOX 515) from anavailable chart or pallet which is stored within a formulation database(BOX 520) (If the management software package has a chart or palletdatabase, the blending control software would be linked to it or incommunication therewith so the chart or pallet could be read andinterpreted by the blending control software.);

(d) the blending control software then prompts for the required amountor size of finished component;

(e) the blending control software may then prompt for an activatorstrength;

(f) the stock color recipe is mathematically scaled for the desiredbatch size and the selected activator strength is displayed, BOX 525;

(g) the operator is prompted to place an empty mixing bowl on the scale(The blending control software will compare actual weight of the bowlagainst a target range value—this range of values is to be userdefinable. If the set range is 0 to 0, then no validation will occur.The blending control software will contain a maximum weight for themixing bowl to allow sufficient fluid capacity and stay below themaximum scale capacity. For example, if the maximum scale capacity is1,200 grams, and the batch size calls for 600 grams of dye components,then the maximum possible weight of the mixing bowl would be 600 grams.However, to allow for batch correction capability, the calculationshould assume a 50% dye component weight variation, i.e., of 600 grams,plus variation=900 grams, leaving a maximum bowl weight of 300 grams.Enforcing a maximum bowl value ensures sufficient scale capacity forcolor mixing. Alternatively, the operator may simply be able to zero outthe weight to ensure the system and scale are ready to continue.);

(h) if the correct bowl weight value is achieved or the weight is zeroedout, the blending control software will prompt for the first component,BOX 530 (If the bowl is above the maximum allowable, a caution messageshould be displayed.);

(i) as the first component is prompted, an LED or other indicatoradjacent to the corresponding receptacle is activated so the operatorcan quickly locate the desired ingredient (for systems with optionalstorage systems);

(j) if storage locks have been included, an unlocking signal is providedto a corresponding solenoid (For reference, this optional feature wouldonly allow receptacles which were un-locked by the blending controlsoftware to be opened. This provides two features: (a) preventsinventory theft and/or (b) forces the operator to use the system, sinceoperators cannot obtain inventory otherwise. This ensures that alltransactions are recorded and properly accounted for in the system'shistory files. Similarly, the blending control software could actualopen and/or close the receptacles, or lock and unlock the receptacleswith appropriate hardware and mechanics.);

(k) as noted above, either the weight of the mixing bowl is internallyrecorded for use in measurement calculation or scale is zeroed out(e.g., a digital value of 0.0 grams is displayed to help the user beginadding the first ingredient);

(l) the operator adds the amount indicated on the display panel, whilethe scale monitors exactly how much has been added and provides userfeedback via the analog and/or digital indicators, BOX 535;

(m) a color-coded graphical scale (or as noted below, other types ofanalog or displays or sounds can be used) is displayed that shows theprogress of the first component being added (If an graphical scale isused, then as material is added, the bar-graph scale changes color fromgreen to yellow, to orange and finally to red; green being the startingpoint, yellow to indicate the operator is nearing the target weight,orange meaning very close, and red meaning stop. If other indicators areused, the display or sounds will change accordingly.);

(n) the blending control software will compare the actual dispensedamount to establish accuracy standards (When the calculated range of asufficient amount of an ingredient has been reached, the ingredient willbe considered complete and the display will turn red. If the volumeadded is greater than the maximum allowed value, the user will beprompted to “accept,” or “correct,” the batch. If “correct” is selected,the total batch volume will be re-calculated based on the amount of thediscrepancy, BOX 540. All corresponding weights will be increasedaccordingly. If other ingredients were added to the batch prior to theover-dispensing of the current ingredient, the blending control softwarewill automatically prompt the operator to add additional amounts ofthese prior-added ingredients, as required. When the correct add hasbeen completed, the operator is prompted to return the component to thestorage receptacle/drawer (if applicable) and to close the receptacle inorder to continue.);

(o) the blending control software then prompts the operator to the nextcomponent by illuminating the LED adjacent to the correspondingreceptacle (Similarly, if door locks have been included, and unlockingsignal is provided to the corresponding solenoid.);

(p) the current weight of the mixing bowl is internally recorded for usein measurement calculation and then zeroed out, with a digital value of0.0 grams being displayed to indicate that the blending control softwareis ready for the next ingredient (The operator repeats steps (l) through(n) for all weighed ingredients (BOX 545).);

(q) if the blending control software is equipped with “automaticadditive dispensing” the blending control software will automaticallydispense the desired activator or base ingredients (The dispensingfunction is performed gravimetrically (using the scale). If more thanone ingredient is to be added, they will be dispensed sequentially.Without automatic dispensing, the blending control software would simplyprompt the user to add the appropriate activator or base ingredient andindicate the required amount as indicated for other ingredients in theprevious steps.);

(r) when all ingredients have been added, the operator will be promptedto remove the mixing bowl, Box 550 (A database record is created withthe precise amount of each ingredient dispensed and the record is storedin the history file (Box 555). A record containing the color name,amount, time and date is created and can be passed to the salonmanagement software package, and the salon management software packageis then able to attach the information as a note to the custom recordfile.); and

(s) a record of the amount of each ingredient used will be maintained inthe blending control software for inventory tracking purposes (Theoperator will have the ability to query the blending control software todetermine the amount of each ingredient for a given time period. Theblending control software should also be capable of passing usage valuesto the salon management software package if necessary.).

In instances where the operator would be creating a new mixture for acustomer (FIG. 14), the operator would have the option to create a newfile (BOX 560), which would be selected to start the appropriatesoftware section of the blending control software. The operation wouldfollow similar steps to the above, except instead of notifying theoperator which component to use, the blending control software wouldprompt the operator to select the first ingredient to dispense from anon-screen list of available components, such as listing available colorsand/or additives (BOX 565). After the selection is made, an LED or otherindicator adjacent to the corresponding receptacle is illuminated toprovide the operator with an identification of where the component canbe located (BOX 570). If door locks have been included, an unlockingsignal is provided to the corresponding solenoid. After which, lockingsignals, and if desired, opening and closing signals could be easilyadded.

The weight of the mixing bowl is internally recorded for use inmeasurement calculation, and a digital value of 0.0 grams is displayedwith the bowl on the scale to indicate the blending control software isready for an ingredient to be added. The operator adds the desiredamount of the first ingredient, while the corresponding reference weightis displayed (BOX 575). When the addition is complete, the user selects“next”. The operator is prompted to return the component to the storagereceptacle (if applicable) and to “Press any key to Continue.” (BOX580). If door locks are used, the blending control software mayautomatically lock the receptacle when the component is returned, andthe receptacle is closed by the operator, or it may be automaticallyclosed by the blending control software after the component is returned,and the operator indicates that they would want to proceed.

The display would show the name of the first ingredient, and the amountadded to the formula. The operator is prompted to select the secondingredient from an on-screen list (BOX 585). If door locks have beenincluded, an unlocking signal is provided to the corresponding solenoid.The weight of the mixing bowl is internally recorded for use inmeasurement calculation, and then zeroed out with a digital value of 0.0grams displayed so the operator can add the next ingredient. Theoperator adds the desired amount of the second ingredient, while thecorresponding reference weight is displayed. When the addition iscomplete, the user selects “next.” The display shows the names of thefirst two ingredients, and the amount of each added to the formula. Thiswould continue until all of the required ingredients have been added.When the last ingredient has been added, the operator selects “done”(BOX 590). Upon completion, a total batch volume will be calculatedbased on the specific gravity of the individual ingredients. This valueis stored for future reference to permit batch size scaling of therecipe.

A database record is created with the precise amount and optimum targetamount of each ingredient dispensed, and is stored in the history filewithin the blending control software (BOX 595). A text record containingthe name, amount, time and date is created and passed to the managementsoftware package to be attached as a note to the custom record file. Arecord of the amount of each ingredient used will be maintained in theblending control software for inventory tracking purposes. A simplequery should be available to determine the amount of each ingredient fora given time period.

In addition, raw material inventory management functionality with andwithout the use of optional barcode equipment may be provided by one ormore of the present embodiments. Barcode scanning devices simplifyinventory management functions. By using an attached barcode scanner,mixing ingredients can be easily identified for inventory trackingpurposes. The functions could be two-fold. Firstly, an on-hand saloninventory could be established by scanning all available productinventory items. When new shipments are received, they too could bescanned, thereby easily adding them to the on-hand inventory. Secondly,when blending control software is equipped with the optional storagereceptacles, scanning the component could also be used to illuminate theappropriate lamp, or unlock the corresponding door. This functionalitywill help to ensure that the materials are properly stored and furtherminimizes the potential for selecting the wrong material duringsubsequent mixing operations.

In the case of a salon, the blending control software may also track theoperator(s) use of the system, which allows cost reporting by employee.It would also accurately track third-party billing for “chair rental”environments. In many salons, some of the stylists are not employees,but rather rent a chair from the salon owner. Sometimes a stylistrenting a chair provides their own materials, such as hair color, andsome utilize materials from the salon. Since the blending controlsoftware would know the exact amount of each ingredient included in ablend, it has the ability to establish the exact material cost for eachbatch. This data can be used to better understand service costs and canalso be used to provide billing data for “rental chair” staff.

In additional embodiments, the blending control software can be providedwith the ability to help eliminate waste. In salons, the user orstylists typically mix more than the required amount of components fortheir clients. The reasons are twofold: (a) current volumetricmeasurement systems do not allow for scaled down batches, and (b) it isdifficult to estimate the actual amount of components or color required,and they do not want to run out mid-application. One improved featurewould allow the user or stylist to return the mixing bowl to the scaleafter finishing with the client. Since the weight of the bowl at the endof the mixing step was known when the mixture was produced, the blendingcontrol software can subtract the returned bowl weight from the finalweight. It is then possible for the blending control software to knowthe amount of mixture actually used by the user or stylist duringapplication. The client's master formula can then be adjusted to theactual amount used, and if necessary, an additional amount can be addedfor a defined safely factor, such as a 5% or 10%. On subsequent clientvisits, the re-scaled master formula, combined with the precisionmeasurement capabilities of the blending control software, virtuallyeliminates product waste.

In one embodiment, a system is provided for recalculating a formulapreviously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least twocomponents. The system includes a control apparatus and a scale. Thecontrol apparatus has a memory (permanent and/or temporary), inputcontrols, and a display. The memory being used to store a mixtureformulated from mixing at least two components. The scale is incommunication with the control apparatus. The control apparatus monitorsa weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixturepreviously prepared from mixing at least two components is stored on thememory. In this embodiment, when an end weight of the mixture, definedto be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus anamount used by a user, is positioned on the scale and when the controlapparatus receives a recalculation signal, a blending control softwarecalculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amountused, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use. This helps reduce andeliminates extra waste.

This embodiment can further be defined as a method for recalculating aformula (e.g., producing an adjusted batch size using different butproportional amounts of the components in the formula). The methodincludes a first step of providing a control apparatus having at least amemory, input controls, and a display, wherein the memory stores amixture that is formulated from mixing at least two components. The nextstep includes providing a scale in communication with the controlapparatus, such that the method stores in the memory, a final weight ofa mixture that was previously prepared from mixing at least twocomponents. After use, the user would weigh an end weight of the mixtureon the scale. The end weight of the mixture is defined as the finalweight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by auser. Finally, the method recalculates the formula of the mixture basedon the end weight of the mixture against the final weight of themixture, and stores the recalculated formula in the memory of thecontrol apparatus.

In an additional embodiment, a system is provided for preparing amixture. The system includes a control apparatus having at least amemory, input controls, and a display. The memory has the capacity tostore at least one mixture formulated from the mixing of one or morecomponents, based on recommended formulated amounts of the one or morecomponents. In communication with the control apparatus is a scalemonitored by the control apparatus for changes of a weight on the scale.The control apparatus, upon receiving an input for a creation of amixture, will display a formulation of the mixture indicating thecomponent(s) and amount(s) needed to create the mixture. The controlapparatus will further monitor changes in the weight of the scale.Additionally, the control apparatus will adjust the batch size of theformulation (i.e., amount of the mixture to be produced) when a weightof a component added to the mixture is different than the recommendedformulated amount.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided a system for the storageand for the mixing of ingredient components to provide an operator theability to create a mixture. The system is defined to include aplurality of storage receptacles, each receptacle holding at least onecomponent and each receptacle in communication with a control apparatus.The control apparatus has at least a memory, input controls, and adisplay. The system improvement includes: (a) the memory having thecapacity to store and/or storing at least one formulated mixture, whichlists the component(s) and amount(s) thereof; (b) the control apparatus,upon receiving an input for a creation of a mixture, displays theformulated mixture indicating the component(s) and amount(s) needed tocreate the mixture; and (c) an electronic locking mechanism positionedat each storage receptacle, wherein the control apparatus, uponreceiving the input for the creation of the mixture, is capable ofsending a signal to the electronic locking mechanism to lock and/orunlock one or more receptacles relative to the component(s) being heldtherein to create the mixture.

Alternatively, each receptacle may have an opening position and aclosing position. In this instance, each receptacle having theelectronic mechanism positioned at each storage receptacle is set toopen and/or close the storage receptacles. Therefore, when the controlapparatus receives the input for the creation of the mixture it iscapable of sending a signal to the electronic locking mechanism to openand/or close one or more receptacles relative to the component(s) beingheld therein to create the mixture.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is provided in various embodiments ablending control system 600 for preparing a hair dye mixture. Theblending control system generally includes a control system having oneor more of the following elements: (a) a memory 602, (b) input controls604, and/or (c) a display 606. The blending control system furtherincludes at least one formula 608 stored in the memory 602. The formuladefines instructions of one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for recreating a hair dye mixture. Theblending control system also includes a scale 610 in communication(wireless or wired) with the blending control system.

The blending control system in a first aspect of the various embodimentsincludes custom color software 612 to permit the user to create a customcolor. The custom color software 612, upon receiving a input from theinput control for a creation of a hair dye custom color mixture, willprompt a user to select or enter one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials 614, and monitors the scale for an amountcorresponding to said one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials 616. The custom color software will create and store 618 ahair dye mixture formula based upon the selected or entered colorantsand/or dye blending materials and the corresponding amounts that wereplaced on the scale. Various other aspects and uses of the custom colorcan be incorporated with the formula adjusting software used to adjustthe formula of the hair dye mixture when a weight of a colorant or dyeblending material being added to the scale is different than the amountrecommended in the formula.

In a second aspect of the various embodiments, the blending controlsystem includes validation software 620 to check a hair dye componentpackage against the hair dye component(s) in the formula to ensure andvalidate a user is accurately recreating the hair dye mixture 622. Thevalidation software may be used in connection with a bar-code scanner624 to scan the bar codes positioned on the component package or used inconnection with an RFID reader 626 to read information for an RFID tagpositioned on the component package.

In a third aspect of the various embodiments, the blending controlsystem includes salon management software 630 in communication with thesystem to exchange information on customers and formulas of hair dyemixtures associated to said customers 632. In this aspect, the inputcontrol and the display are in communication with the blending controlsystem and the software, which is for displaying the instructions on thedisplay in response to a manual input from the input controls andmonitoring software to monitor a weight on the scale 634. The monitoringsoftware aids in monitoring changes in the weight on the scale such thatthe blending control system is able to calculate a difference between arecommended formulated amount of a colorant or dye blending material andan actual amount of the colorant or dye blending material added to thescale. This difference can then be measured down to a zeroed amount,with an adjustment for the weight of a receptacle, such that theblending control system is able to indicate how much additional colorantor dye blending material is needed to be added to the scale to reach therecommended formulated amount of the colorant.

In a fourth aspect of the various embodiments, a blending control systemincludes progress control software 640 to indicate how much of one ormore of the colorant(s) and/or dye blending material(s) from the hairdye mixture may be added to or removed from the scale. The progresscontrol software can include an analog or other display representation642 of one or more of the colorant(s) and/or dye blending material(s)from the hair dye mixture. The software is capable of changing therepresentation to indicate an amount being added to or removed from thescale. The representation can be a graph, such as a bar-graph, circular,pictorial, or line graph, and can be color coded, black/white, or agradation thereof; alternatively, the representation could use sound orother types of representations. The process control software can alsoinclude the ability to replay audible sounds 644 (or lights)representing the amount dispensed of one or more of the colorant(s)and/or dye blending material(s) from the hair dye mixture. Additionally,the process control software includes the capability to replay audiblesounds or lights to indicate an amount being added to or removed fromthe scale.

In a fifth aspect of the various embodiments, the blending controlsystem includes at least one set of customer information stored in saidmemory, such that the customer information 634 is associated with the atleast one formula. The blending control system further includes softwareto update at least one set of customer information. And the blendingcontrol system can be linked to the salon management software toexchange customer information.

In a sixth aspect of the various embodiments, the blending controlsystem includes software to store in the memory a final amount used ofeach of the one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials definedby the formula 650. In this aspect, the blending control system mayfurther include comparison software 652 to track the inventory 654 ofthe one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials by reducing acurrent inventory level of each of the one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials by the final amount used of each of the one or morecolorants and/or dye blending materials. In addition, the comparisonsoftware is used to track inventory levels and reduce the currentinventory level by an amount used during the preparation of a hair dyemixture and/or increase the current inventory level by an amountreceived during a new shipment or returns of unused ingredients.Moreover, the amount reduced can further be allowed to track if aproduct is thrown out, spoiled, missing or otherwise needs to be reducedto ensure proper inventory levels. Yet as a further consideration, theamount used during the preparation of the hair dye mixture is determinedby the amount on the scale. This could also be used to compare theperformances of different stylists, stores, or manufacturers.

In a seventh aspect of the various embodiments, the blending controlsystem has stored in said memory current inventory levels for at leastone or more colorants and/or dye blending materials and the costsassociated with each one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials. The blending control system further includes software tocalculate the final cost 656 of a hair dye mixture by monitoring thepreparation of the hair dye mixture, including monitoring the scale fora final amount used of each of the colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials defined by the formula, allocate a cost of each of used duringthe preparation, and calculate the final cost by adding the individualcosts. Once a final usage and/or cost is determined, color usage and/orcost can be reported by a reporting software. The reporting software mayfurther be capable of creating reports for specified time periods on thematerial usage and cost based by stylist, client, salon or region (whenthe software is linked to other salons), manufacturer of a particularproduct or by product line, and/or chair or booth renter. The reportingsoftware may further include components for determining average costsper client per treatment and other operating data.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is provided in various embodiments ablending control system 700 for preparing a hair dye mixture. The systemgenerally includes one or more of the following elements: (a) a memory702, (b) input controls 704, and/or (c) a display 706. The systemfurther includes at least one formula 708 stored in the memory 702. Theformula defines instructions of one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials and amounts recommended for recreating a hair dyemixture. The system also includes a scale 710 in communication (wirelessor wired) with the system.

In an eighth aspect of the various embodiments, the system includessoftware that permits for formula blending and adjustments. As mentionedabove, this could include reformulating a formula based on changing aparticular quantity of an ingredient such as adjusting for adding toomuch or not enough of an ingredient. Separately, this could also includethe ability to add or remove a particular ingredient from a formula, orswap or change a particular ingredient with another component. Formulaadjustment software 720 would receive an indication from the inputcontrol that either an additional ingredient is being added or aningredient from the formula is being removed 722. The formula adjustmentsoftware 720 will then adjust the final total and/or in somecircumstances may recalculate the formula to adjust for the increasedbatch size or strength of the mixture. The user would then not berequired to start over with a new customer mixture. In another aspect, aparticular ingredient may need to be changed or swapped out for adifferent ingredient 724. Changing a particular ingredient may be donebecause the particular ingredient is missing from inventory. Forexample, if a shade of red is out of stock the stylist may know thatthey can combine certain other colors for the desired effect. Theformula adjustment software will adjust the final total and/or in somecircumstances, may recalculate the other components of the formula toadjust for the increased batch size or strength of the mixture.

In other aspects, the formula adjustment software 726 can be capable ofconverting a particular formula from one brand of product to anotherbrand 728. For example, if a particular mixture of colors in one brandneeds to be duplicated for a different brand, the particular ingredientsmay be different. A formula brand conversion would permit the operatorto recreate the mixture using different branded products. If providedwith the system, once converted, the system would also control thecorrect receptacle or drawer to unlock, open, and/or indicated (by LEDor other means) 730. In another aspect, the formula adjustment software726 may include a particular manufacturer's standard book of coloredmixtures 732. This permits the user to start with a base line formulathat may be adjusted and customized for a particular client.

It is further noted that the blending control system has further builtin a defined tolerance component 734 towards the target total amountneeded for the particular ingredient or total mixture. When adding aparticular ingredient, it has been found that within a certain smalltolerance of being over or under the target amount does not necessarilyaffect the end mixture. This tolerance has a tendency to be about 1-2percent over or under the recommended value in the formulas; however, itis possible that the tolerance level can be set by the salon, operator,manager, manufacturer of the product, or and the like. To help aparticular user identify the tolerance, the progress indicator mayinclude a Target Line 736 to which the user may attempt to achieve for aperfect mixture, but then it may further include a Tolerance Indication738 above and below the Target Line that the user will identify as aregion that if the ingredient weight added reaches within the ToleranceIndication, the user can move on to the next ingredient withoutreformulating the entire mixture. The Tolerance Indication may be visualor audible 740. Additionally, a visual Tolerance Indication may berepresented as lines or brackets above and below the Target Line, asshown in FIG. 22.

In a ninth aspect of the present embodiments, the blending controlsystem can include various aspects to increase an operator's ease of use742. Various technological components can be provided, such as touchscreens 744 and wireless keyboards/mouse. Employee Identificationsystems 746 may also be used to correctly identify an employee andprovide the employee with the appropriate access to the blending controlsystem. Various employee identification systems may be used, such as,but not limited to, magnetic card scanners; fingerprint scanners;barcode readers; and password protection. The employee identificationsystems can also be used in connection with the below informationmanagement systems with its layered security measures to correctlyidentify personal with specific access to certain areas in the blendingcontrol system.

Other aspects of the system that increase an operator's ease of useinclude an ability to automatically convert product packaging units to asingle system 748. Various packages may have volume and weight invarious scales. The system having the information entered into theblending control system based on the particular product will convert theunit to a single system used by the operator. The single system may beconfigured as a weighted system. Alternatively, since the progressindicator system is provided, the indicator may itself be viewed as thesingle unit system.

The increase of an operator's ease of use can be further implementedwith the disclosed system by provided step by step guidance on screeninstructions and warnings (e.g., if the operator is adding too much of aparticular ingredient or if the operator is using the incorrectingredient). The warnings and instructions can be augmented with thesystem's ability to control the opening or unlocking of a particularstorage area or bin.

In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the blending control systemmay be further provided with an information management structure 812.Various software components may be used to manage the information in theblending control system which may or may not include information in thesalon management system. As noted above, the salon management system andthe blending control system may be a single system or separate systemslinked or communicated together. The blending control system 800 isgenerally provided for preparing a hair dye mixture. The blendingcontrol system generally includes a computer-driven system having one ormore of the following elements: (a) a memory 802, (b) input controls804, and/or (c) a display 806. The blending control system furtherincludes at least one formula 808 stored in the memory 802. The formuladefines instructions for mixing one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials, as well as amounts recommended for recreating a hairdye mixture. The blending control system also includes a scale 810 incommunication (wireless or wired) with the system. An informationmanagement system 812 is provided and is in communication with theblending control system 800.

The information management system 812 includes one or more componentseither used in concert or separately. A first component of theinformation management system may be directed to information about thecustomer or client information and their associated formulation(s). Theblending control system would be able to prepare a Formula Card 814 thata customer or stylist could use at another location. The Formula Cardwould help the second or subsequent stylist recreate the mixture atanother location if, for example, the other location was not linked tothe blending control system. A second component of the informationmanagement system 812 would include the ability to color forecast 814.Color forecasting 814 is the ability to forecast the amount of colorneeded in a particular period. The forecasting can be based on a numberof factors such as historical color usage, scheduled appointments andthe client history, and/or promotions done by a salon. The color oringredients in the formula is forecasted by reviewing the factors andgenerating a report that could include purchase orders.

A third component of the information management system 812 is theability to generate purchase orders 816. Purchase orders 816 forparticular ingredients can be generated based on color usage forecastsand real-time inventory levels, which as mentioned can be monitored andtracked by other component systems. Purchase orders 816 can also bebased on reorder point levels. With the purchase orders, the blendingcontrol system would be able to create open order reports 818 andtransmit the orders automatically 820 to vendors via e-mail.

In a fourth component of the information management system 812, newinventory updates 822 can be obtained when a new inventory is taken andentered into the system. Entering the inventory can be done by scanningcodes or entry into the blending control system. The new inventoryreceived can also be compared 824 to the purchase orders and usagereport to determine the accuracy of the orders and reports.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in a fifth component of the informationmanagement system 812, various Reports 830 can be generated to help themanagement of the system and salon(s). With detailed records on theclients and their use of the salon services, Reports 832 shows thenumber or percentage of clients that use coloring services and thefrequency of their use or absence. Reports 834 show a calculation of theinventory shrinkage in concert with the physical inventory can beobtained. Along with this aspect, a Report 836 can be generated on thesavings due to a reduction in inventory shrinkage for a time period.Additionally, a Report 838 can be generated on the savings from theabove noted waste reduction measure as compared to a pre-defined normalamount used for a period of time. Reports 840 can also be generated tohelp the salon determine use charges, for example, suggested charges canbe generated for excessive amounts of ingredients used, (e.g., if adouble or triple batch is prepared because of the length or thickness ofthe hair). These reports can also be exported through an intra orinternet for a manager 842 to analyze trends over a period of time.These reports can also be consolidated amongst multiple salons,regionally or for a nationwide report.

Along with various reports, the blending control system can also includean operating statistic component 844. The operating statistics can bebased on a number of various factors either alone or in combination witheach other. These factors include an average color batch by theoperator/stylist 846; average cost per client 848; comparison of colorservices per hour, per appointment against default predetermined values850; comparison of the number of single versus double color applications852; comparison of the number of on-scalp or off-scalp applications 854;comparison of individual batch sizes to salon norms and flag deviations856; comparison of batch sizes deviated to pricing surcharges 858; andcomparison pricing of specific applications against normal procedures860.

Other Reports can be generated to provide information on a number ofsalons owned by a single entity. The information can be sorted anddetailed based on the aggregate of all the salons or based upon aspecific city, region, or country.

Since the information management system is capable of trackinginventory, Reports can be generated to help outline the higher turningredients as well as show the slowing moving or dormant ingredients.Reports can also be generated to allocate usage between normative usesfor a given time period and waste over the same time period.

The blending control system can further track purchase incentiveprograms 862 by monitoring items purchased in the store against theproducts used by the stylists. With full client information in theblending control system (including the brand or specific ingredientsused) specific promotions of retail products can be determined andrecommended to the client, as well as promotions for specific salonservices that are also based on specific products purchased, used, orapplied.

Referring now to FIG. 19, in an eleventh aspect of the presentdisclosure, the blending control system may be further provided with acommunication and data sharing components. Various software componentsused to communicate and share data may or may not include information inthe salon management system. The blending control system 900 isgenerally provided for preparing a hair dye mixture. The blendingcontrol system generally includes a computer-driven system having one ormore of the following elements: (a) a memory 902, (b) input controls904, and/or (c) a display 906. The blending control system furtherincludes at least one formula 908 stored in the memory 902. The formuladefines instructions of one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for recreating a hair dye mixture. Theblending control system also includes a scale 910 in communication(wireless or wired) with the system. A communication and data sharingsystem 912 is provided and is in communication with the system 900.

In a first component of the communication and data sharing system 912,software would allow the blending control system 900 to communicate witha main server 920 to provide updates against a manufactured and/orinstalled system. Updates and upgrades 922 to the software can be doneby internet login into a main server. In addition, software installationand setup 924 can also be done over the internet. The main server 920,when in communication with the blending control system 900, could helpdiagnose and repair 926 any maintenance issues with the blending controlsystem, as well as provide data backup capabilities 928. If the systemsare licensed for use, the main server could maintain the licenses which,if not updated and renewed, could lock out the system for control by thesalons.

In a second component, as mentioned above, the blending control systemand the salon management system can be integrated or linked together toallow the sharing of information. The information shared between the twoor more systems 900 could include data on the stylists, appointmentinformation, point of sale service ticket information, and formula datafor new and existing clients, as well as modified formula information.

If multiple systems 900 a, 900 b, and the like, are employed in a singlesalon or multiple salons each system can be connected to each other toshare and consolidate information. Multiple salon applications can use adedicated connection IP address or across the internet 930. Theinformation shared can include inventory data, cost data, usage data,employee data, customer data, and formula data.

Turning now to FIG. 20, there are shown modular shelf units 1000 whichcan be used in connection with a hair dye system. The modular shelfunits 1000 include a plurality of shelf openings 1050 to accommodatereceptacles 1100 that slide outwardly towards the user to open. Thereceptacles 1100 include a glide or channel 1150 that receives opposingpins 1170 that protrude from the front of the openings. The channel 1150includes a curved section 1200 near the back region of the receptacle.The curved section 1200 curves such that an end 1250 of the channel 1150is positioned near the back lower region of the receptacle. Thus, whenthe receptacle is pulled out, it can swing or pivot downwardly. Thedrawer can have various sections 1300, 1320 to help organize and sortthe product placed therein.

As further shown, the receptacle can have a front lower lip region 1400that covers a fixed indicator light 1450 or LED positioned in the shelfopenings. The front lower lip region 1400 may have transparent ortranslucent qualities, such that when the receptacle is fully closed andthe light is turned on, the user would be able to see the light throughthe front lower lip region 1400.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a blending control system 600 is shown forpreparing a hair dye mixture having various components. The blendingcontrol system generally includes a computer-driven system having one ormore of the following elements: (a) a memory, (b) input controls 604,and/or (c) a display 606. The blending control system further includesat least one formula stored in the memory. The formula definesinstructions of one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials andamounts recommended for recreating a hair dye mixture. The blendingcontrol system also includes a scale 610 in communication (wireless orwired) with the system. The blending control system further includesbins in communication with the blending control system. As explainedabove, the receptacles may include indicators and/or locks.

It is further provided that the above noted software functions aredefined to be created within either a single software component ormultiple software components. These components can be designed to worktogether regardless of the software language used to create thefunctions. Furthermore, the software would be specifically configured toperform the functions in order to impart structural elements into thesoftware and the embodiments disclosed herein.

In one further embodiment, there is provided a method for preparing ahair dye mixture, either manually, semi-manually, or automatically asdefined above. The method to be performed uses a scale and controlsystem in communication with each other. The control system provides amemory and a display, with the memory containing a formula that definesinstructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The instructions aredisplayed on the display for a stylist or user to perform the varioussteps which include viewing the display of instructions and thenfollowing the instructions by adding to a receptacle on the scale,colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) in accordance with theinstructions. In this embodiment, the stylist is using a hair colormanufacturers' standardized packaging, such that non-standardized orspecialized packaging of colorants and/or dye blending materials are notrequired. Terminology is as defined above.

In other aspects of this embodiment, the method continues with the stepsof viewing the display of an indicator of an amount of one or more ofthe colorant(s) and/or dye blending material(s) which has been added tothe receptacle. The indicator further indicates pre-defined tolerancesabove and below a recommended amount defined by the formula. Basedthereon, the stylist adds to and/or removes from the receptacle colorantor dye blending material until the indicator shows the amount in thereceptacle is within the pre-defined tolerances. In addition, theindicator may further include lights, sounds, and/or graphics.

Still other aspects of this embodiment may include the step ofvalidating the colorant and/or dye blending material being adding to thereceptacle by comparing the hair color manufacturers' standardizedpackaging against the formula. The validating step may include using ascanner to scan the hair color manufacturers' standardized packaging andchecking the display for an indication that the scanned hair colormanufacturers' standardized packaging is listed by the formula. In yetother aspects, the method may include the stylist accepting a weight ofa colorant or dye blending material in the receptacle on the scale, andthen adding additional colorant(s) or dye blending material(s) to thereceptacle on the scale in response to the control system displaying anadjusted formula calculated by the control system. The adjusted formulais based on the accepted weight of the colorant or dye blending materialin the receptacle when the accepted weight is different than arecommended amount defined by the formula.

In addition, the stylist may verify and accept a weight of a colorant ordye blending material in the receptacle on the scale, prior to addingsubsequent colorant(s) or dye blending material(s) to the receptacle onthe scale in accordance to the formula. The stylist may also weigh thereceptacle on the scale, when the receptacle holds a remaining amount ofcolorant and/or dye blending material (e.g., after use). The remainingweight is defined to include only a portion of the colorant and/or dyeblending material previously prepared in accordance with theinstructions. In this instance, the control system is capable ofrevising the stored instructions based on the remaining amount ofcolorant and/or dye blending material in the receptacle compared to anamount of colorant and/or dye blending material previously prepared.

In another embodiment, the blending control system has a control systemthat communicates with a plurality of receptacles (that may be one ormore of the type detailed above or may be a general type of receptacledefined to hold one or more dye or blending component or tube). As alsoexplained above, in one aspect, the receptacles may include a number ofindicators to identify one or more specific receptacles as provided bythe control system. The indication to a specific receptacle would bedone to notify the operator of the control system of where a particularcomponent or tube is located or where it should be placed. Theindicators may be lights, sounds, or any combination thereof.

As also noted above, in another aspect of this embodiment, the controlsystem may have a locking software component that is in communicationwith mechanisms which control the locking and unlocking of thereceptacles. The locking software component is configured to perform anumber of operations depending on the need. For example, the lockingsoftware component may release and unlock on the receptacles or only ona portion of the receptacles. This may be needed for inventory purposes.The locking software component may also be in communication with thecontrol system formula software component such that the locking softwarecomponent is configured to release and unlock one or more receptaclesbased on the items needed to re-create and manually prepare a formula.Specific ingredients needed for the formula and stored in a receptaclewould be locked in the receptacle for security purposes. When needed andidentified by a formula, a signal would be sent to the mechanism tounlock the receptacle. When the component or tube is replaced, the userwould note the replacement of the component or tube into the system, andthe locking software would then lock the receptacle. These steps wouldrepeat as the formula was recreated by the user.

The locking software may also identify specific manufacturers such thatduring inventory inspection/addition the system could release all of thelocks to a specific manufacturer. This could also be linked to aspecific order such that when an order of products is received, thelocking software would be configured to only unlock the receptaclesnoted in the order. The locking software may also be configured tounlock/lock for a predetermined period of time, thereby providing theoperator with only a limited period to use and replace the component ortube. If the time period is exceeded, a signal/alarm may be noted toidentify that the receptacle has been unlocked too long.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the system may include a meansto detect the contents of the receptacles. The means to detect mayinclude scales positioned in each receptacle. The scales would each havemonitoring software communicating with the control system to monitor andreport the weight of the contents of the receptacle. The system couldthen detect when a component or tube is missing when compared to theactual inventory content. Other types of monitoring equipment could beemployed such as RFID tags and readers. Each component or tube wouldhave to have a tag which would be read by a reader positioned in eachreceptacle. Infrared tags and readers could similarly be employed.Scales would, in particular, provide for accurate measurements of theamount of the components in each receptacle, allowing the software toreport on inventory levels needed for re-ordering. This would eliminatethe need to check each component tube when inventory and ordering isdone. Reporting software would also be provided to generate reports onthe accurate inventory levels, when components are missing, and orderingreports. These lastly lead to an increased security access on thereceptacles. The salon would then be able to generate reports on whichemployees accessed the receptacles, when access was made, and ifinventory is missing or over used.

In one of the system embodiments, there is provided a system for storinghair dye components including a computer control system having at leasta memory, input controls, and a display. The system further includes aplurality of receptacles, each receptacle being sized to store at leastone hair dye component tube to define storage of a colorant or dyeblending material. The computer control system further includes linkingsoftware configured to link and identify one or more colorant(s) or dyeblending material(s) to a receptacle. Each receptacle provides for anindicator in communication with the control system and is configured toactivate upon the receipt of a signal from the control system. Anindicator software component is stored on the control system and is incommunication with the indicators. The indicator software component isconfigured to send a signal to one or more of the indicators when thecontrol system receives an input to select a colorant or dye blendingmaterial.

Similar to this system embodiment, there is also provided a method ofstoring hair dye components. The method includes the steps of providinga control system with at least a memory, input controls, and a display.The method further includes providing a plurality of receptacles. Eachreceptacle is sized to store at least one hair dye component tube todefine storage of a colorant or dye blending material. Each receptaclefurther provides an indicator about each receptacle, each indicatorbeing in communication with the control system and configured toactivate upon the receipt of a signal from the control system. Themethod also provides for the step of linking, at the control system, oneor more colorant(s) or dye blending material(s) to a receptacle; andthen sending a signal from the control system to one or more of theindicators when the control system receives an input to select acolorant or dye blending material.

In other aspects of these system and method embodiments, the indicatorsmay be lights or sounds. Furthermore, the input to select a colorant ordye blending material by the control system may be in response to (a)the selection of a formula, which is stored in the memory and definesinstructions of one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials andamounts recommended for manually recreating a hair dye mixture; (b) thecreation of a new custom color; (c) the inventory of hair dye componenttubes; (d) the restocking of inventory; and the like.

In another aspect, there is provided a system embodiment for the storingof hair dye components. The system includes a computer control systemhaving at least a memory, input controls, and a display; and a pluralityof receptacles, each receptacle being sized to store at least one hairdye component tube to define storage of a colorant or dye blendingmaterial. The computer control system further includes linking softwareconfigured to link and identify one or more colorant(s) or dye blendingmaterial(s) to a receptacle. Each receptacle also includes a lockingmechanism configured to lock and unlock the receptacle. Each lockingmechanism is further in communication with the control system andconfigured to lock or unlock upon the receipt of an unlocking or lockingsignal from the control system. The computer control system furtherincludes a locking software component in communication with the lockingmechanisms and is configured to send a unlocking or locking signal toone or more of the locking mechanisms.

Similar to this system, there may be provided a method for storing hairdye components. The method may include the steps of providing a computercontrol system having at least a memory, input controls, and a display;providing a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle being sized tostore at least one hair dye component tube to define a storage of acolorant or dye blending material; providing a locking mechanismpositioned about each receptacle configured to lock and unlock thereceptacle, each locking mechanism is in communication with the controlsystem and configured to lock or unlock upon the receipt of an unlockingor locking signal from the control system; linking one or morecolorant(s) or dye blending material(s) to a receptacle; and sending,from the control system, an unlocking or locking signal to one or moreof the locking mechanisms.

Furthermore, the locking software may be further configured to send anunlocking or locking signal to one or more of the locking mechanismswhen the control system receives an input (a) selecting a colorant ordye blending material; (b) monitoring an inventory of the colorant ordye blending material; (c) identifying a specific manufacturer ofcolorant or dye blending material; (d) relating to an order of inventorystored on the control system; (e) relating to the selection of aformula, stored in the memory and defining instructions of one or morecolorants and/or dye blending materials and amounts recommended formanually recreating a hair dye mixture, and the like. In addition, thelocking software may be further configured to send unlocking or lockingsignals (a) to all of the receptacles; (b) to a plurality of thereceptacles, and the plurality of the receptacles all relate to aspecific manufacturer of colorant or dye blending material; and thelike. The system and method in this embodiment may further include areporting software component in communication with the control systemand configured to (a) generate a report on the unlocking of receptacles;or (b) generate a report on the unlocking of receptacles over a periodof time or as related to a specific user.

In still another aspect, there is provided a system for storing hair dyecomponents, having a computer control system having at least a memory,input controls, and a display; a plurality of receptacles, eachreceptacle being sized to store at least one hair dye component tube todefine a storage of a colorant or dye blending material; linkingsoftware stored on the control system and configured to link andidentify one or more colorant(s) or dye blending material(s) to areceptacle; and a detection means positioned in each receptacle andbeing in communication with the control system to detect and monitorhair dye component tubes stored in each receptacle. Similar thereto, amethod may be provided that includes providing a detection meanspositioned in each receptacle and being in communication with thecontrol system to detect and monitor hair dye component tubes stored ineach receptacle.

In the system and method, the detection means may include a scalepositioned in each receptacle and be in communication with the controlsystem and may further include monitoring software in communication withthe control system to monitor a weight on each of the scales. Thedetection means may also be defined with an RFID reader positioned ineach receptacle, and each is in communication with the control systemand monitoring software in communication with the control system tomonitor the RFID readers, and each hair dye component tube has an RFIDtag. In another detection means, there may be provided an infraredreader positioned in each receptacle and each is in communication withthe control system and monitoring software in communication with thecontrol system to monitor the infrared readers, and each hair dyecomponent tube has an infrared tag.

As described herein, there are provided various systems and methods toperform specific functions of the various embodiments. In one embodimentthere is provided a system for preparing a hair dye mixture. The systemincludes a control system having at least a memory, input controls, anda display. At least one formula is stored in the memory, and the formulacontains one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials and amountsrecommended for recreating a hair dye mixture. A scale is provided andis in communication with the control system, with monitoring software tomonitor a weight on the scale. In addition, software for displaying theformula on the display in response to a manual input from the inputcontrols is provided. The embodiment further includes indicationsoftware configured to display an amount of the colorants(s) and/or dyeblending material(s) required to be added to the scale and furtherconfigured to indicate the recommended amounts in comparison to theamount that has been added to the scale. Tolerance indication softwareis also provided and configured to indicate predefined ranged tolerancesabove and/or below the recommended amounts, such that a user is able toidentify whether the amount added to the scale for a colorant and/or dyeblending material is within the predefined ranged tolerances.

The tolerance indicates can be lines on a pictorial graph, or audiblesignals. A further warning signal may be provided to indicate when theamount on the scale for a colorant and/or dye blending material isoutside the predefined ranged tolerances.

In another embodiment, there is provided a system for the preparation ofa hair dye mixture, the system including a control system having atleast a memory, input controls, and a display and at least one formulastored in the memory. The formula defines instructions of one or morecolorants and/or dye blending materials and amounts recommended forrecreating a hair dye mixture. Each colorant and/or blending material isseparately assigned to a first product brand, such that brand selectionsoftware can be configured to receive a manual input from the inputcontrols to change a colorant and/or blending material from the firstproduct brand to a second product brand. Brand adjusting software wouldbe configured to adjust the formula of the hair dye mixture from thefirst product brand to the second product brand in response to themanual input. The brand selection software may further be configured toreceive a single manual input from the input control to change all ofthe colorant(s) and/or blending material(s) from the first product brandto a second product brand, such that the brand adjusting software canadjust the formula of the hair dye mixture from the first product brandto the second product brand in response to the manual input.

In one embodiment, brand conversion software may be configured toconvert all of the formulas in a database from the colorant(s) and/orblending material(s) in a first product brand to the colorant(s) and/orblending material(s) in a second product brand. In this manner, thebrand conversion software may convert all of the formulas in the hairdye mixture from the first product brand to the second product brand. Inanother embodiment, brand conversion software may be configured toconvert a user-selected number of formulas (e.g., more than one formulabut less than all of the formulas) in the database from the colorant(s)and/or blending material(s) in a first product brand to the colorant(s)and/or blending material(s) in a second product brand, therebyconverting the user-selected number of formulas in the hair dye mixturefrom the first product brand to the second product brand.

The conversion from one brand to another brand may be based on apredetermined formulated brand conversion ratio or adjustment bracket.Once converted, the adjusted formula may be stored in the memory. In theembodiment in which all of the formulas in a database or a user-selectednumber of formulas in the database are converted, all of the convertedformulas may be saved and stored in the database for later use withoutrequiring the conversion process to be recalculated every time aconverted formula is needed.

In another embodiment, there is provided a system for preparing a hairdye mixture. The system includes a control system having at least amemory, input controls, and a display; along with at least one formulastored in the memory. The formula defining instructions include one ormore colorants and/or dye blending materials and amounts recommended forrecreating a hair dye mixture. The embodiment further includes softwarefor displaying the instructions on said display in response to a manualinput from the input controls, and formula adjustment softwareconfigured to receive an adjustment protocol input from the inputcontrols, the adjustment protocol input being further defined as achange in the instructions to the formula. The formula adjustingsoftware is further configured to adjust the formula of the hair dyemixture when it is in accordance with the adjustment protocol input suchthat the formula adjusting software defines an adjusted formula. Theformula adjusting software is further configured to display the adjustedformula on the display.

The adjustment protocol input can be based on a removal, addition, orsubstitution of one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials. Assuch the system may determine if additional colorants or blendingmaterials need to be added or removed in response to the change.

In another embodiment, there is provided a system for preparing a hairdye mixture, which includes a control system having at least a memory,input controls, and a display and a scale in communication with thecontrol system. Monitoring software is provided and configured tomonitor a weight on the scale along with software that is configured todisplay the instructions on said display in response to a manual inputfrom the input controls. The embodiment further includes memory havinginformation stored thereon, wherein the information includes (a) atleast one client and associated client data, (b) at least one formuladefining instruction of one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for recreating a hair dye mixture,and/or (c) inventory data relating to the colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials are available for recreating a hair dye mixture, and theinformation further includes employee information and correspondingemployee identification. The embodiment is then able to includeidentification software configured to prevent access to thee informationand/or scale, and the identification software further is configured toallow access to the information and/or scale when an enteredidentification matches an employee identification. The enteredidentification may be associated with one or more of the following: amagnetic card scanner, a fingerprint scanner, a barcode reader, and apassword.

In another embodiment, there is provided a system for preparing a hairdye mixture, having a control system having at least a memory, inputcontrols, and a display; a scale in communication with the controlsystem; monitoring software configured to monitor a weight on the scale;and software configured to display the instructions on the display inresponse to a manual input from the input controls. The memory hasinformation stored thereon, including (a) at least one client andassociated client data, (b) at least one formula defining instructionsof one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials and amountsrecommended for recreating a hair dye mixture, and/or (c) inventory datarelating to the colorants and/or dye blending materials available forrecreating a hair dye mixture. The embodiment further includes inventorysoftware configured to calculate an inventory level of the one or morecolorants and/or dye blending materials by reducing a current inventorylevel by an amount used during the manual preparation of a hair dyemixture and by increasing the current inventory level by an amountreceived during a new shipment; and the inventory software furtherconfigured to receive and store an actual inventory level of the one ormore colorants and/or dye blending materials based on a manual inputand/or weight on a scale. Lastly, reporting software is provided andconfigured to create a report based on inventory shrinkage when acurrent calculated inventory level is compared to an actual inventorylevel. This can further be based on costs such that the inventory,shrinkage reports can include final costs.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided a system for preparing ahair dye mixture, having a control system having at least a memory,input controls, and a display; a scale in communication with the controlsystem; monitoring software configured to monitor a weight on the scale;and memory having information stored therein. The information includes(a) at least one client and associated client data, (b) at least oneformula defining instructions of one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials and amounts recommended for recreating a hair dyemixture, and/or (c) cost associated with each one or more colorantsand/or dye blending materials. The information further includes at leastone employee information and corresponding employee identification.

Tracking software is provided and configured to store on the memory afinal amount used of each of the one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials defined by the formula during creation of a hair dyemixture and an associated cost of the creation of the hair dye mixture.The tracking software further configured to link the associated cost toan employee. Reports based on the final costs/average costs can begenerated for specified time periods. In addition, the tracking softwarecan report on an amount of the one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials used by an employee as well as the remaining amounts when themixture is weighed after application. Final costs of product used versusamounts charged can be reviewed and charted. In addition, high use orlow use materials can be determined for stocking and ordering as well aspurchase incentive programs. Generated purchasing orders can becalculated and automatically sent to third party venders.

Furthermore, with the knowledge of which products are being used andwith the system potentially linked to the salon management portion ofthe system, further forecasting of the salon needs can be determined.With appointments logged with the type of service and formulas that willbe generated, reports can be generated to determine how much of aproduct needs to be in stock as well as actual inventory levels andreports on which products need to be ordered. Generating and sendingpurchase orders when needs are determined either automatically or uponreview and approval by the salon manager.

In a first embodiment, a system is disclosed for the preparation ofmixtures, such as but not limited to hair dye mixtures, personal careproduct mixtures, and the like. The system includes a computer controlsystem having at least a memory, input controls, and a display. Thesystem may be any computer based system readily available for use andincorporation, including but not limited to touch screen tablets,laptops, mobile devices, and/or PC hard drives with separate monitorsand input devices (keyboards, a mouse, and the like). The system furtherincludes the capacity to run various software programs, algorithms, andcoded lines to accomplish the tasks that are outlined herein. Thesesoftware related tasks may either be separable and linked together toexchange/communicate information and date; or be combined into a singleprogram.

The memory has the capacity to store and/or storing at least one mixtureformulated from the mixing of one or more components, such as but notlimited to colorants, dyes, and/or blending materials. The system uponreceiving an input for a creation of a mixture includes software fordisplaying the formula of the mixture on the display to indicate thecomponent(s) and amount(s) needed to create the desired mixture.

The system further includes software for batch sizing the mixture basedon inputs received from the stylist. The batch sizing softwareautomatically creates an adjusted formula that is displayed to thestylist for their manual re-creation of the mixture. Inputs could befrom a touch screen, mouse, keyboard, voice recognition software, andthe like. The batch sizing software is capable of adjusting the formulato create an adjusted formula and then is further capable of displayingthe adjusted formula for the stylist's use.

In one embodiment, the system automatically determines the correct batchor formula size by requesting an input(s) from the stylist. The stylistwill first select a formula of a mixture. The stylist will then requestto have the formula right-sized. Electronically, this is done by using aselection either in a touch screen, mouse dick, or highlighted entry.The system then produces a matrix, or other configuration, on thescreen, which requires the stylist to select one of the boxes. Once oneof the boxes is selected, the batch sizing software is capable ofbatch-sizing the formula to match the selected entry. The adjusted orbatch-sized formula is then displayed for the stylist. If batch sizingis not requested, the formula can simply be displayed. After which thebatch sizing software will end.

In other aspects, the right sizing system software once selected iscapable of displaying a series of questions prior to the display of thematrix or other configuration. The questions may further includegraphical images that help the stylist to formulate a response. In someembodiments, a series of questions and/or graphical images may beincluded with the questions. Based on the answer to these questions, thebatch sizing software is capable of automatically calculating anadjusted formula, or if the formula is not present is capable ofdisplaying the proper amount of materials to use, which typically wouldnot include the developer material. It is typical in the industry to usea 1:1, 1:1.5, or 1:2 ratio of materials to the developer. Often themanufacturer sets this ratio for its own products. For example, oneembodiment includes a question on the determination of the type of hairapplication, such as a Retouch Application, a Scalp to Ends Application,or a Retouch and Refresh Application. A second question may determinethe length of the hair, with pictorial representations of Short Hair;Medium Hair; and Long Hair. Lastly, the system may need to determine thetexture of the hair, such as Fine Hair; Medium or Normal Hair; andCoarse Hair. As noted the individual questions could be presentedelectronically one at a time to provide the batch sizing software withanswers that once received are capable of automatically creating anadjusted formula for further display to the stylist. The answers to thequestions may be displayed through a touch screen with the userselecting the appropriate graphic representation.

In another embodiment, a matrix may be used by a stylist to determinethe amount of colorant to use on a customer. The matrix while shown as a3×3 matrix may be larger or smaller depending on specific use,customization, or product manufacturer aspects. Following a similarprocess above, the system will request input(s) from the stylist.Initially, the stylist will select a formula of a mixture. Second, thestylist will request to have the formula right-sized. Next, the systemwill produce a matrix on the screen, requiring the stylist to select oneof the boxes from the matrix. In this embodiment, across the top of thematrix there is a first legend listing hair lengths: short length hair,medium length hair, and long hair; while across the side there is asecond legend listing the hair care application: retouch, scalp to ends,and retouch and refresh.

In a color retouch for a single process color, the application of abatch is applied to the new growth of hair not exceeding ½ inch growth.The color retouch is necessary for covering gray, or in maintaining allover color, such as the maintenance of color services. In a retouch andrefresh, the application of batch is applied to the new growth,mid-growth and ends of hair. Often a separate formulation is preparedfor the mid-shaft and ends. All hair from new growth through the ends iscovered with color. This service is needed when the overall color haslost its tone, faded more than one level, and corrected work is needed,or the client has requested a change of color. Color tends to fade dueto sun exposure, swimming or the use of harsh shampoos. It is also shownor illustrated that the total amounts are listed by the matrix for thetotal amount of colorant or dye, but does not include developer. Also,the stylist should keep in mind other key factors such as multi-shades,alternating more than one color and ration of the developer.

In another embodiment, there is a retouch box for short length hair, aretouch box for medium length hair, and a retouch box for long lengthhair; a “scalp to end” box for short length hair, a “scalp to end” boxfor medium length hair, and a “scalp to end” box for long length hair;and a “retouch and refresh” box for short length hair; a “retouch andrefresh” box for medium length hair; and a “retouch and refresh” box forlong length hair.

In addition, a subsequent or preceding question regarding the texture ofthe hair could alter the amounts accordingly. For example, theinformation calculated or displayed could be for normal texture hair.The batch sizing software, if prepared to take the texture of the hairinto account in its adjustment, would be capable of adjusting theformula by decreasing the amount of the formula for fine or thintextured hair and/or increasing the amount of the formula for coarse ordense hair. The increase or decrease may be based on the hair or maysimply be adjusted by adding or subtracting ¼ or ½ oz. of product to thetotal amount. This would be automatically done by the batch sizingsoftware that is capable of a textured adjustment.

In another embodiment, a further matrix or other configuration may beused or provided to determine the batch sizing adjustment based on theamount of an off scalp process. Across the top of the matrix there isfirst legend listing hair lengths: short length hair, medium lengthhair, and long hair; while across the side there is a second legendlisting amount to apply: such as Low Zone (20% or less of the head);Partial Zone (no more than 40%); and Full Zone (50% and greater). Onceone of the grid squares is selected the software is capable ofright-sizing the formula based on the amount to apply. The right-sizedor adjusted formula will then be displayed for the stylist in order forthe manual re-creation of the right-sized formula.

Additionally, there is shown the following: a “zone off scalpapplication” box for short length hair, a “zone off scalp application”box for medium length hair, and a “zone off scalp application” box forlong length hair; a “partial off scalp application” box for short lengthhair, a “partial off scalp application” box for medium length hair, anda “partial off scalp application” box for long length hair; and a “fulloff scalp application” box for short length hair; a “full off scalpapplication” box for medium length hair; and a “full off scalpapplication” box for long length hair.

In addition, the data input for the boxes or matrix can be based onother customer characteristics or services requested. As such, theindividual items in the rows and columns exhibited herein, may bechanged in other embodiments. In addition, a larger matrix can be placedthat further defines other percentages of application and furtherdefines the types of hair such as fine, medium, coarse, and combinationsthereof. Each of these types can be further refined; for example, coarsehair may include Rough, Wire, Heavy, Wild, Strong. The system mayinclude further questions for the stylist, including whether theregrowth on long hair exceeds ½ inch, in which case the right-sizingwill add 75 grams or ¼ ounce of color to the formula.

In a method of right-sizing a batch, the stylist starts with a formulaoutlining the various colorants and/or blending materials along with theamounts to be added. With being provided a particular matrix thatoutlines the hair length or hair style against the service requested(refresh, scalp to end, retouch, particular zone, partial, full) thestylist will select the correct matrix grid square corresponding to thecustomer characteristic and the service required. Based on the selectedmatrix grid square and the amount dictated therein, the stylist cancalculate the correct batch size. This can be done without the aid of acomputer-driven system. According to another aspect, the matrix being a3×3 grid for the application off scalp starts with a single zone forshort length hair with the required amount of 15 grams of color used toblend.

One or more various embodiments for batch sizing a formula are disclosedherein. In a first embodiment, there is provided a method of batchsizing a formula of one or more hair dye materials, with correspondingrecommended amounts. The formula is defined for a stylist to manuallyrecreate a hair dye mixture. This first embodiment is performed by anelectronic device that has a display, memory, and an input device. Thefirst embodiment includes, providing an electronic device that has acomputer based medium with a computer readable program code executed toperform various functions. These functions include (a) the displaying ofa plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria, wherein each of thebatch sizing adjustment criteria defines a total amount for a formula;(b) the receiving of a user input selecting one of the plurality ofbatch sizing adjustment criteria; (c) the creation of an adjustedformula with adjusted corresponding recommended amounts based on theselected batch sizing adjustment criteria; and (d) the displaying of atleast the adjusted corresponding recommended amounts.

In a second embodiment, there is provided a method of batch sizing aformula, of one or more hair dye materials, with correspondingrecommended amounts. The formula is defined for a stylist to manuallyrecreate a hair dye mixture. This second embodiment is performed byproviding an electronic device, which has a computer based medium with acomputer readable program code being executed to display a plurality ofbatch sizing adjustment criteria auto-arrange in a matrix of adjustmentboxes. Each of the batch sizing adjustment criteria defines a totalamount for a formula. The second method is formed by selecting one ofthe plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria; and adjusting theformula by adjusting corresponding recommended amounts based on theselected batch sizing adjustment criteria.

In a third embodiment, there is provided a method of batch sizing aformula, of one or more hair dye materials with correspondingrecommended amounts. The formula is defined for a stylist to manuallyrecreate a hair dye mixture. A third embodiment is performed byproviding a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria wherein eachof the batch sizing adjustment criteria defines a total amount for aformula. The method continues by the selection of one of the pluralityof batch sizing adjustment criteria and then adjusting the formula byadjusting corresponding recommended amounts based on the selected batchsizing adjustment criteria.

In a fourth embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for batch sizinga formula. The apparatus includes a control system having at least amemory, an input control, and a display. The apparatus further includesbatch sizing software, being configured to first display a plurality ofbatch sizing adjustment criteria, wherein each of the batch sizingadjustment criteria defines a total amount for a formula; beingconfigured to receive an input from the input control a selection of oneof the plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria; being configuredto create an adjusted formula with adjusted corresponding recommendedamounts based on the selected batch sizing adjustment criteria; andbeing configured to display the adjusted formula and to display theadjusted corresponding recommended amounts.

In a fifth embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for batch sizing aformula. The apparatus includes a control system having at least amemory, an input control, and a display. The apparatus further includesbatch sizing software, being configured to display a plurality of batchsizing adjustment criteria, wherein each of the batch sizing adjustmentcriteria defines a total amount for a formula. The batch sizing softwareis further configured to receive an input from the input control aselection of one of the plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteriaand configured to create an adjusted formula with adjusted correspondingrecommended amounts based on the selected batch sizing adjustmentcriteria. The batch sizing software is yet further configured to displaythe adjusted formula and to display the adjusted correspondingrecommended amounts.

In one or more of the above embodiments, the control system orelectronic device may be defined to reside in one of the following: ahand-held PDA, mobile-phone, laptop computer, and PC computer. The aboveembodiment may further define the batch sizing adjustment criteria as aseries of questions or as a plurality of adjustment boxes arranged in amatrix on the display.

Various embodiments are described herein that may utilize variousfeatures of a color preparation and management system and methoddescribed herein. As disclosed, the color preparation and managementsystem and method includes a computer with display to provide agraphical user interface (GUI) to a user (e.g., operator, technician,stylist, client, customer, and the like). The display may be atouchscreen.

The color preparation and management system and method includes a scalecommunicably coupled to the computer. The computer may be connected tothe scale over a network connection, wired connection (e.g., USB), awireless connection (e.g., BLUETOOTH®), or the like. In someembodiments, the scale includes one or more processors and to executesoftware instructions stored on a memory corresponding to the methodsdisclosed herein, and uses the computer for the display and user inputdevices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, and mouse). For example,connecting the scale to the computer may cause the processor in thescale to process software instructions and pass graphical information tothe computer for display to the user. Using the computer, the user mayprovide one or more inputs that are transmitted to the processor in thescale for processing.

Thus, the scale may be used to create a virtualized environment. Forexample, a scale may be communicably coupled to a plurality of computersover a network. The scale may provide graphical data for each computerin the network to display, which may be the same or different for eachcomputer. As the scale receives data (e.g., user input data, environmentdata, location data, and the like) from each computer, the scaleprocesses the data to update the information presented to the user ateach respective computer. Such an embodiment saves valuable systemresources on each computer connected to the scale.

In other embodiments, the scale may rely on the computer to executesoftware instructions corresponding to the methods disclosed herein. Forexample, upon connecting the scale to a computer for the first time, thescale may download software from the memory local to the scale to thememory local to the computer. In yet other embodiments, the scale simplytransmits weight information data to a computer that has softwareinstalled thereon that, when executed, performs one or more functionsdisclosed herein.

The GUI allows for intuitive operation because the user is able to viewgraphical and textual information in a visually organized manner. Inaddition, the GUI provides the user with a plurality of inputs in theform of virtual keys/buttons. In embodiments employing a touchscreendisplay, these virtual keys/buttons may be activated by touching thescreen where the virtual keys/buttons are displayed. The computer mayprocess the touch data to determine the coordinates of the touch, andtherefore, whether a virtual key/button has been activated. As describedherein, the color preparation and management system and method performsa plurality of different functions by executing software. Reference tothe color preparation and management system and method may refer solelyto the computer or both the computer and the scale connected to thecomputer.

Alternatively or additionally, soft keys may be positioned alongside thedisplay, which may be programmed to correspond to specific virtualkeys/buttons. In such embodiments, the user may activate a soft key toactivate the corresponding virtual key/button on the display, which mayinvoke a function corresponding to the virtual key/button. In someembodiments, the GUI may be presented to the user as shown in FIGS.23-32 with one or more GUI modules. The one or more GUI modules mayinclude, for example, a “Log-In” GUI (e.g., the log-in screen) module, a“Client Selection” GUI module (e.g., FIGS. 24A-C), a “Client History”GUI module (e.g., FIGS. 25A-D), a “Client Information” GUI module (e.g.,FIGS. 26A-D), a “Create New Formula” GUI module (e.g., FIGS. 28A-I and29A-B), a “Modify Formula” GUI module (e.g., FIG. 28J), a “Batch Sizing”GUI module (e.g., FIGS. 27A-B), a “Dispense Formula” GUI module (e.g.,FIGS. 30A-J), a “Weigh-Out” GUI module (e.g., FIGS. 31A-E), a“Re-batching” GUI module (not shown), a “User Session Time-Out” GUImodule (e.g., FIG. 32), and the like.

In one embodiment, the user may navigate through the GUI modules asshown in FIG. 33. The color preparation and management system and methodmay enable the user to navigate from one GUI module to another GUImodule in any order. For example, while the flow between differentscreens and GUI modules is described herein according to variousembodiments, other embodiments may be designed such that any screen maybe accessed from any other screen in any GUI module. The colorpreparation and management system and method may enable such navigationby displaying the requisite virtual keys for the user to select.

In one embodiment, each screen presented on the display in each GUImodule may include a virtual “Map” key. Upon the user selecting the“Map” key, the color preparation and management system and method maybring the user to the “Map” or “Table of Contents” GUI module. The “Map”GUI module enables the user to select particular screens and/or GUImodules to navigate in any order. In some embodiments, the colorpreparation and management system and method restricts access to one ormore screens and/or GUI modules if certain data has not been input bythe user. For example, if the user wishes to navigate immediately to the“Batch Sizing” GUI after logging in, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may prompt the user to first select aclient and a formula. In other embodiments, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may enable the user to navigate to the“Batch Sizing” GUI without the required data so that the user may simplyview the screen layout. However, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may not enable the user to make any selections otherthan to go back to the “Map” GUI or continue navigating screen-by-screenwith only the ability to view the screen layout.

Virtual keys/buttons labeled the same, whether by reference number ortext, may cause the computer to perform the same or differentfunction(s) on different screens in the same or different GUI module.For example, a virtual “Manufacturer” (or variations thereof) key may,when activated, cause the color preparation and management system andmethod to display a pop-up window in one GUI module or navigate the userto a new screen in a different GUI module. In addition, the function(s)may be different because of the theme, goal, or function of theparticular GUI screen(s) or module(s) within which the seemingly samevirtual key is displayed. For example, the virtual “Back” key may cancelout the user's last action (e.g., remove an ingredient just added in the“Create New Formula” GUI module) or take the user to the GUI module thatthe user was at before. In addition, one or more functions correspondingto any virtual key may be based on touch length, touch pressure, agesture within or around a virtual key, and the like.

In addition, one or more virtual keys may temporarily increase in sizewhen activated to indicate to the user which virtual key was selected.In some embodiments, virtual keys that may be toggled or selected mayhave a plurality of graphical states (e.g., 1 color for ON, 1 color forOFF, 1 color for unselected, 1 temporary color for selected).Navigational keys may be in every screen.

The layout of each screen or GUI module may be customized by each salon,user, business, and the like. In some embodiments, the computer maypresent to the user a plurality of layout options. Options may bedirected towards different layouts, which may have different themes anddiffer in how the information is presented to the user. For example,some users may prefer fewer graphics and some may prefer more graphics.In some embodiments, the user may not like the layout of the virtualkeys. The user may enter into a layout edit mode enabling the user toreposition and resize virtual keys and other graphical elements. Suchcustomization enables a user to view information according to a layoutdeemed most efficient by the salon, user, and the like.

In addition, the layout of each GUI module as well as which GUI modulesare accessible to the user may depend on user privileges. Userprivileges may also restrict access to certain data and certaincalculations to only authorized users. User privileges may include oneor more of the following: novice user, intermediate user, expert user,student, teacher, business owner, administrator, manager, lead stylist,independent stylists, employee stylists, and the like. For example, anovice user may only be able to access previously created formulas andnot be given ability to create a new formula from scratch. In someembodiments, a novice user may be given access to restricted GUI modulesonce an expert user, teacher, administrator, manager, lead stylist, orthe like provides his or her credentials (e.g., password). Anintermediate user may be able to access both previously created formulasand be given the ability to create a new formula from scratch. However,the computer may require an expert user, teacher, administrator,manager, lead stylist, or the like to review a formula created by anintermediate user before the formula may be saved to memory. Forexample, if the intermediate user selects a virtual key to save theformula, the computer may display a prompt on the display requiring anexpert user, teacher, administrator, manager, lead stylist, or the liketo provide his or her credentials (e.g., password). An expert user maybe able to access both previously created formulas and be given theability to create a new formula from scratch without any oversight.Thus, the color preparation and management system and method enables,for example, novice hair stylists to produce exact color shades, whileexperienced colorists can easily create, document, and store new customformulas.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a display 2300 with a screenshot of a log-inscreen 2301 associated with the “Log-in” GUI is shown according to oneembodiment. In some embodiments, the user may interact with the display2300 by touching it, activating one or more soft keys, and/orcontrolling a virtual object such as a cursor by manipulating a userobject such as a mouse. Thus, while the embodiments may be described asthe user touching the display 2300 to invoke corresponding functionswhen making screen selections, the user may additionally oralternatively use soft keys or a computer peripheral device such as amouse to interact with the GUI to make screen selections. As disclosedherein, these inputs may be processed by the computer processor ortransmitted to the scale's processor for processing.

In some embodiments, a splash screen may precede the “Log-In” GUImodule. The splash screen may be static or dynamic. A static splashscreen does not change once initially programmed whereas a dynamicsplash screen may be manually updated by an authorized user orautomatically updated by a server over an internet connection. Theinformation on the server may be updated by an authorized user. Byupdating information on a server, the system removes the need for theauthorized user to access every computer or system individually.Instead, by updating information stored on a server, the user mayeffectively update the splash screen on a plurality of devices byupdating the server on which the computers obtain the information.

Whether static or dynamic, the splash screen may include messages to auser of the system. These messages may be reminders or special offersthat the salon or business is offering its users (e.g., stylists orcustomers). For example, the splash screen could display the followingmessage: “Please remember to ask customers if they would like a beveragebefore mixing!” In this way, before logging in, a stylist is reminded tokeep a customer's wait comfortable while the system is being accessedaway from him or her. A special offer may be stylist-centric orcustomer-centric. For example, a stylist-centric offer may inform astylist that the salon is starting a competition on a particular date:“Exciting news! Next Monday, our monthly mixing efficiency competitionstarts! The competition lasts for two weeks and the winner receives$200. Ask management for more details or log-in now to register!”

Upon providing an input (e.g., a touch or predefined gesture, mouseclick, depressing a soft key, pressing any key on a keyboard), the colorpreparation and management system and method may proceed from displayinga splash screen to displaying a log-in screen, such as the one depictedin FIG. 23. A predefined or “unlocking” gesture may include putting allfive fingers on the display in an extended fashion and simultaneouslybringing them inwardly. Another predefined or “unlocking” gesture mayrequire the user to make a circle on the display screen with one or morefingers. Yet another predefined or “unlocking” gesture may require theuser to drag one or more graphical objects on the screen. Predefined or“unlocking” gestures may be useful to prevent the log-in screen frominadvertently being displayed when a user accidentally provides adifferent input to the color preparation and management system andmethod, such as a simple touch, mouse click, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 23, the log-in screen may include a plurality ofvirtual keys or 2302. The plurality of virtual keys 2302 may include avirtual keyboard 2304. The virtual keys 2302 may also include a virtual“Log-In” key 2306, a virtual “Exit” key 2308, and a virtual “Scale” key2310. A pin or password field 2312 may display the numbers, letters, orspecial characters that the user enters via the virtual keyboard 2304.The characters displayed in field 2312 may change to masked charactersto enhance security after a period of time, such as 1, 2, 5, or 10seconds. This time period may be specific to each character or specificto the pin or password as a whole. In other embodiments, field 2312 onlydisplays masked characters. In some embodiments, the log-in screen mayinclude a username field. In yet other embodiments, no username orpassword is necessary.

One or more virtual keys 2302 may provide visual feedback whenactivated. For example, when the user touches the “R” virtual key, itmay temporarily increase in size for a period of time and then revertback to its normal size. Such visual feedback help the user determinewhich key was actually touched by the user instead of having to monitorthe pin or password field 2312. An audible tone or vibration mayadditionally or alternatively be output to the user by using a speakerin the color preparation and management system and method. For example,a piezo-electric motor may be driven to rotate, and when rotated, causesa tactile vibration that the user is able to feel.

If the user wishes to return to the splash screen, the user may activatethe “Exit” key 2308. If the user wishes to access the system, the userinputs the requisite information on the log-in screen and activates thelog-in key 2306. The color preparation and management system and methodchecks the information in a memory local or remote to one or moreprocessors of the system. For example, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may query a server to verify the log-ininformation. If the information does not match a registered user, theuser may opt to re-enter the username and/or password. If theinformation matches a registered user, the GUI presented on display 2300may proceed to the “Client Selection” GUI (e.g., FIGS. 24A-C).Additionally or alternatively, the requisite information may includebiometric information, such as a fingerprint scan. In such anembodiment, the user may simply approach the color preparation andmanagement system and method whilst the splash screen is displayed. Theuser may simply press and hold his or her finger against the screen,which causes the computer to scan the fingerprint and analyze it todetermine whether the user is authorized to access the system. Ifauthorized, the color preparation and management system and method mayproceed to the “Client Selection” GUI module.

FIG. 24A depicts a screenshot of the “Client Selection” GUI at a clientselection screen 2400. The client selection screen 2400 enables the userto search for an existing client or add a new client. As shown, theclient selection screen 2400 may include a plurality of virtual keyssuch as a virtual “Edit” key 2402, search field 2404, virtual tabs 2406a-e, a virtual “Administrator” key 2408, the virtual “Scale” key 2310, avirtual “Log-Out” key 2412, a virtual “Add New Client” key 2414, aplurality of edit icons 2416, a virtual “Comments” key 2418.

When the virtual “Log-Out” key 2412 is selected, the computer or scaleprocesses the input, which may cause the GUI presented on display 2300to present a pop-up window or a new screen asking the user to confirmwhether he or she wishes to log-out. If the user wishes to log-out, thecomputer or scale may process the input such that the GUI presented ondisplay 2300 may proceed to present the log-in screen shown in FIG. 23.

The virtual “Comments” key 2418 may be client and/or user specific. Forexample, the user may input global notes that may be accessed from anyscreen shown on the GUI of the color preparation and management systemand method disclosed herein. In addition to global system notes, theuser may input client-specific notes that may only be displayed when theuser has selected that client in the database stored in memory. Thus,the virtual “Comments” key 2418 enables the user to view mixing notes,client notes, management notes and the like in a pop-up window or newscreen. In some embodiments, the color preparation and management systemand method adds a comments column in-line with other information alreadypresented on the GUI when the virtual “Comments” key 2418 is selected bythe user. For example, the client selection screen 2400 may be resizedto include a comments column such that each client name would have acorresponding comments row.

The clients listed in the client selection screen 2400 may include (1)clients that the logged-in user has serviced before; (2) clients thatthe logged-in user is scheduled to service on a given day(s), week(s),or month(s); or (3) a combination of previously serviced clients andscheduled clients (existing or new). In some embodiments, the clientslisted may include all clients irrespective of the logged-in user. Asshown, the clients are listed in a vertical and horizontal fashion. Theuser may scroll through the list by dragging his or her fingerhorizontally or vertically on the screen of display 2300. In otherembodiments, the clients may only be listed vertically so that the userneed only scroll vertically.

In the embodiment shown, the user may access one of the navigationaltabs 2406 a-e to view the clients having last names beginning with theletters designated on the virtual tab. Activating the virtual“Administrator” key 2408 may bring the user to the log-in screendepicted in FIG. 23. Upon logging in as an administrator (or otherauthorized user), the user (which may be the same or different userdepending on the initial user) may be brought back to the screen thesystem was displaying when the virtual “Administrator” key 2408 wasselected.

In this regard, some embodiments may automatically save a user's sessionperiodically (e.g., every 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds) to ensure thatany progress is saved prior to the user advertently or inadvertentlylogging out. Information saved may include all session information, suchas but not limited to (1) current screen data, (2), previous screendata, (3) all information input during the session, (4) all scaleinformation, and (5) system state information. For example, a seconduser may approach a first user's logged-in session and log-out the firstuser with or without the first user's permission. Thus, even if thefirst user was in the middle of adding ingredients to a mixture, thesecond user may interrupt the first user without causing unnecessarywaste. Once the second user is done, the first user may log back in.Upon logging in, the first user may be prompted to (1) start a newsession, (2) continue the interrupted session, or (3) start a newsession and save the interrupted session so that the interrupted sessionmay be continued at a later time. In some embodiments, the interruptedsession data is automatically saved until the first user or anadministrator selects to delete it. If deleted, the color preparationand management system and method may analyze the data to determinewaste, if any. In addition, color preparation and management system andmethod may store information such as the identity of the second user,and what activity the second user engaged in on the system.

In some embodiments, if the user selects to continue the interruptedsession, the color preparation and management system and methoddetermines whether the user had dispensed any ingredients. If so, thecolor preparation and management system and method analyzes whether adefined period of time has elapsed so as to prevent mixing over oxidizedingredients. In such an example, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may inform the user that the previously dispensedingredients should be discarded and the user should start dispensing theselected formula from the beginning. There is no need for the user toweigh-out the discarded, dispensed ingredients because the systemalready knows the exact amount dispensed. Therefore, in such asituation, the color preparation and management system and method usesthe dispensed amount to determine the amount of waste.

In other embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may present an administrator home screen to the user with avariety of different options. For example, the authorized user may bepresented with one or more of the following options to select from:report generation, GUI layout management, user privileges, splash screenmessage, inventory management, and the like. Inventory management mayenable the user to set inventory thresholds that cause the colorpreparation and management system and method to automatically purchaseone or more ingredients when the threshold is reached. In otherembodiments, the color preparation and management system and methodinforms an authorized user (e.g. manager or owner) that the thresholdhas been reached by, for example, automatically sending an email to theauthorized user containing low inventory information. The email enablesthe user to purchase inventory in real-time. The user may respond to theemail, which the system receives and analyzes to determine whether theauthorized user has authorized the color preparation and managementsystem and method to purchase more ingredients that are at theirthreshold values. For example, the user may simply need to respond witha “Yes” or a “No.” Upon receiving the email message from the user, thecolor preparation and management system and method processes the messageand responds with either purchasing the low inventory, setting areminder for the user to purchase low inventory, or the like.

When a user selects the report generation virtual key, it may cause thecolor preparation and management system and method to generate a singlereport or a plurality of reports. The single report simply may be thecombination of the plurality of reports into one report. Reports may begenerated to provide the authorized user with information related to oneor more of the following: inventory tracking, user data, trend data, andthe like. Inventory tracking may involve the system tracking the numberand types of services rendered, the ingredients dispensed, the amount ofwaste produced (e.g., the amount mixed formula left over after a serviceis complete). As disclosed above, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may suggest purchases.

In some embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may conduct predictive analysis. For example, an inventorythreshold disclosed above may not be met by a particular ingredient;however, the color preparation and management system and method maynonetheless suggest that additional amounts of that ingredient bepurchased. This may occur when predictive analysis shows that the rateof inventory decline requires purchasing the ingredient before thethreshold set by the authorized user is met. For example, the colorpreparation and management system and method may determine that theingredient will run out in 2 days once the threshold is met but that ittakes 3 days for the ingredients to arrive to the salon once purchased.Therefore, the color preparation and management system and method mayrecognize that without purchasing the ingredient before the threshold ismet, the salon may be without the ingredient for at least a day. In someembodiments, the color preparation and management system and method maysuggest or automatically change the threshold amount according to thepredictive analysis so that orders may be placed in time to receive theshipped ingredients before the ingredients run out.

Predictive analysis may also illustrate projected costs related toinventory loss (e.g., waste) which may be attributable to each user.Thus, the authorized user is able to quickly ascertain which users arecreating waste, the amount of waste, and the cost related to the amountof waste. User data may include information such as average time spentin each GUI module, the number of times the user has had to re-batch,the amount dispensed during any re-batch, and the like.

Referring back to the screenshot of the “Client Selection” GUI at aclient selection screen 2400 shown in FIG. 24A, the virtual “Edit” key2402 may be toggled ON or OFF. In the screenshot shown, the “Edit” key2402 is toggled ON, and therefore, the color preparation and managementsystem and method is in edit mode. As a result, edit icons 2416 may bedisplayed next to the clients that are editable. Additionally oralternatively, clients that may not be edited may be dimmed orgrayed-out to visually inform the logged-in user that informationcorresponding to those clients is not editable. When in edit mode, theGUI presented on display 2300 may proceed to a client information screenwhen the user selects an editable client from the list, such as theclient information screen depicted in FIG. 26A. In order to select aclient from the list without editing the client's information, thelogged-in user may be required to toggle OFF the edit mode if it is ON.In some embodiments, edit mode is toggled OFF by default.

With edit mode toggled OFF, the user may select a client from the listof client provided on the client selection screen 2400. Upon selecting aclient, the GUI presented on display 2300 may proceed to a clienthistory screen specific to the selected client, such as the clienthistory screen depicted in FIG. 25A.

When the user selects search field 2404 in FIG. 24A, the GUI presentedon display 2300 may proceed from the client selection screen 2400 to aclient search screen regardless of whether edit mode is toggled ON orOFF, such as the client selection search screen 2430 depicted in FIG.24B. A virtual keyboard 2432 may be provided to the user to enable theuser to input information in search query field 2434. A navigational“Back” virtual key 2438 may be provided to the user so that the user maynavigate to the previous screen upon activating it. Upon enteringinformation in the search query field 2434, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may automatically start providing searchresults in the search results box 2436. Such an embodiment is shown inFIG. 24C. As shown in FIG. 24C, the user has input an “S” into thesearch query field 2434. Without hitting “enter” or another input, thecolor preparation and management system and method automaticallydisplays clients having a last name starting with the letter “S” inalphabetical order. When the user selects a name in the search resultsbox 2436, the color preparation and management system and method maydetermine whether edit mode was on or off when the user accessed clientselection screen 2400.

If the color preparation and management system and method determinesthat edit mode was toggled ON when the user accessed client selectionsearch screen 2430, the color preparation and management system andmethod may proceed to display the “Client Information” GUI module, suchas the client information screen 2600 shown in FIG. 26A according to oneembodiment. If the color preparation and management system and methoddetermines that edit mode was toggled OFF when the user accessed clientselection screen 2400, the GUI presented on display 2300 may proceed tothe “Client History” GUI module, such as the client history screen shownin FIG. 25A that displays client history specific to the selectedclient. In some embodiments, before the GUI presented on display 2300proceeds to the next screen, the GUI may query whether the user selectedthe intended name. If not, the color preparation and management systemand method may continue to display the client selection search screen2430 with the search results to enable the user to make a differentselection. In yet other embodiments, the user may be required toactivate an additional input such as “Go” or “Enter” for the GUI topresent the client information screen or the client history screenspecific to the selected client. Such an embodiment may be consideredmore intuitive for some users.

While FIGS. 24B and 24C illustrate that the user may search for a clientbased on the client's last name, other embodiments may provide more thanone search query field or at least one or more customizable search queryfields. In such embodiments, the user may conduct a search based oninformation input into a plurality of search query fields. Search queryfields may include last name, first name, age, length of hair, haircolor, type of service, date of last service, period of time (e.g.,search for clients that the logged-in user or a logged-out user servicedbetween a first date and a second date), any other client-relatedinformation, and the like. In other embodiments, the user may select asearch query field and be presented with a drop-down menu that lists thetype of information that the user would like the search query field tosearch thereby customizing the search query field. For example, the usermay select a first search query field and select “First Name” and selecta second search query field and select “Hair Color.”

In yet other embodiments, the color preparation and management systemand method may assign a unique identifier to each client in the databasein memory. The unique identifier may be based on the date the client wasentered into the database. The client may inform the user of the uniqueidentifier, which the user may use to search for and acquire therequisite information on the database by using the color preparation andmanagement system and method disclosed herein. In further embodiments,the user may be issued an RFID device at their first visit, such as akey fob that may be attached to a key chain. Upon entering a salon orother business, the client may introduce the RFID device to an RFIDreader to sign-in. In other embodiments, the client may have been issueda barcode (e.g., UPC barcode or a matrix barcode). The barcode may beemailed to a user or otherwise electronically transmitted to a user'selectronic device (e.g., picture message). Upon entering the salon, theuser may scan their barcode to sign-in. The color preparation andmanagement system and method, which is in direct or indirectcommunication with the RFID or barcode reader, receives data indicatingthe user has signed-in. The color preparation and management system andmethod may use the data to expedite the client selection process. Forexample, on the client selection screen 2400 may include a virtual“Signed-In Clients” tab that the user may select to view clients whohave electronically signed in.

In other embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod automatically selects the client based on the scheduledappointment time for the client. For example, a first and a secondclient may enter the salon at the same time a few minutes before 10:00am, both having scheduled appointments with the same hair stylist. Thefirst client may have an appointment scheduled for 10:00 am whereas thesecond client may have an appointment scheduled for 11:00 am. The hairstylist may log-in to the color preparation and management system andmethod to select the client; however, the system may automaticallyselect the first client due to the scheduled appointment time. Forexample, had both clients signed-in at 10:40 am, the color preparationand management system and method may automatically select the secondclient due to the scheduled appointment time. In both instances, thecolor preparation and management system and method may flag or warn theuser of the excess wait for the second client in the first scenario orthe tardiness of the first client in the second scenario. In someembodiments, the color preparation and management system and method maysuggest a schedule change. For example, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may analyze appointment data for allstylists in the salon to determine whether the second client in thefirst scenario may be serviced earlier by a different hair stylist. Thecolor preparation and management system and method may list alternativeoptions for the user to relay to the client. Likewise, the colorpreparation and management system and method may determine whether thefirst client in the second scenario may be serviced by a different hairstylist.

Referring back to FIG. 24A, the GUI presented on display 2300 mayproceed to a “Client Information” GUI module (e.g., client informationscreen 2600 shown in FIG. 26A) when the user activates the “Add NewClient” virtual key 2414 on the client selection screen 2400. Since theuser is instructing the color preparation and management system andmethod that he or she seeks to add a new client, the system maydisregard whether edit mode is toggled ON or OFF.

FIG. 26A depicts a screenshot of a client information screen 2600associated with the “Client Information” GUI module. The clientinformation screen 2600 enables the user to add a new client or editinformation corresponding to an existing client. As shown, the clientinformation screen 2600 may include a First Name field 2602, a Last Namefield 2604, an “Assign to” field 2606, and a virtual keyboard 2608.Depending on the embodiment, the “Assign to” field 2606 may read “Assignto Technician,” “Assign to Colorist,” “Assign to Stylist,” “Assign toUser,” or the like. A navigational “Back” virtual key 2610 may beprovided to the user so that the user may navigate to the previousscreen upon activating it. The user may navigate between differentfields by touching the screen of display 2300 where the field is locatedor select the “Next Field” virtual key in the virtual keyboard 2608. A“+More Clients” virtual key 2612 enables the user to add more than oneclient. A “Done” virtual key 2614 may be provided to the user so thatthe user may indicate to the color preparation and management system andmethod when the user is done adding one or more clients to the database(i.e., memory) or editing one or more existing clients in the database.Of course, other embodiments may include more fields such as “OtherFamily Members,” “Age,” “Natural Hair Color,” “Preferred Hair Length,”“Services Interested In,” and the like. A “Delete Info” virtual key 2616may enable the user to delete all information in all fields with asingle input when the user is inputting information for a new client.For an existing client, the “Delete Info” virtual key 2616 may be usedto delete the client from the database (i.e., memory). The GUI presentedon display 2300 may present a pop-up window or a new screen asking theuser to confirm his or her intent to remove the client from thedatabase. If the user confirms deletion of a client, the GUI presentedon display 2300 may proceed to the client selection screen 2400.

If the client information screen 2600 was accessed by the user byselecting the “Add New Client” virtual key 2414 on the client selectionscreen 2400, the client information screen 2600 may automatically fillin the “Assign to” field 2606 with the name of the currently logged-inuser. In some embodiments, the “Assign to” field 2606 may only bechanged by an administrator (e.g. supervisor). Thus, the logged-in usermay be the default technician, colorist, stylist, or the like; which canonly be changed by upper management in some embodiments. Generally, thelogged-in user inputs the client's first and last name in thecorresponding fields 2602 and 2604 and selects the “Done” virtual key2614 to add the new client to the database. Since the new client is inthe database, the new client will now appear on the client selectionscreen depicted in FIG. 24A and any information corresponding to theclient is searchable.

If the new client is already in the database that the user seeks to add,the GUI presented on display 2300 may present a pop-up window or a newscreen informing the user that the client is already in the database. Insuch an embodiment, the user may be able to add a numeric identifier tothe client, if indeed the client is new (i.e., the existing client inthe database may have the same name but is a different person). Forexample, in the event that adding “Melissa Templeton” results in such awarning, the user or color preparation and management system and methodmay add a numeric identifier. In some embodiments, a picture of theclient may be loaded into the database such that a numeric identifiermay be unnecessary for identification purposes.

FIG. 26B shows one embodiment of the client information screen 2600after the user has input the first name “Melissa.” FIG. 26C shows oneembodiment of the client information screen 2600 after the user hasinput the last name “Templeton.” FIG. 26D shows one embodiment of a listof individuals that the user may select from when assigning atechnician, colorist, stylist, or the like to a new client.

Instead of selecting the “Done” virtual key 2614, the user may selectthe “+ More Clients” virtual key 2612 to (1) add the new client to thedatabase and (2) clear the first and last name fields so the user caninput another new client. When done adding more than one client, theuser simply activates the “Done” virtual key 2614 after the last newclient entered.

If the client information screen 2600 was accessed by the user byselecting a name when edit mode was toggled ON at the client selectionscreen 2400 or the client selection search screen 2430, the displayedfields may automatically be populated with the information stored in thedatabase. Thus, the user is able to edit existing information. In someembodiments, the “Delete Info” key 2616 is only available for selectionby the user if the client information screen 2600 is accessed when editmode was toggled ON.

FIG. 25A depicts a screenshot of a client history screen 2500 associatedwith the “Client History” GUI module according to one embodiment. Asshown, the client history of the client “Amy Shapiro” is displayed. Theclient history screen 2500 may include the virtual “Comments” key 2418,the virtual “Administrator” key 2408, the virtual “Scale” key 2310, thevirtual “Log-Out” key 2412, a virtual “Manufacturer: Show All” key 2502,a virtual “Favorites” tab 2504, a virtual “Created” tab 2506, a virtual“Dispensed” tab 2508, various virtual service name keys 2510, “Favorite”icons 2512a, and “Non-Favorite” icons 2512 b, a navigational “Back”virtual key 2514 that operates similarly to other navigational “Back”virtual keys described herein, and a virtual “Create New Formula” key2516.

As shown, the client history screen 2500 has the “Created” tab 2506selected by default. Other embodiments may have a different tab selectedas the default tab upon the user reaching the client history screen2500. The “Created” tab 2506 may generally include a client's servicehistory such as the dates on which the client came to the salon for oneor more services, the number of services (e.g. formulas) created by theuser on each service date, the products purchased by the client on eachservice date, the length of the service(s), whether or not the servicewas especially liked by the client (e.g., favorite), and the like. The“Dispensed” tab 2508 may generally include a client's service historysuch as the dates on which the client came to the salon for one or moreservices, the number of services (e.g., formulas) dispensed by the useron each service date, the products purchased by the client on eachservice date, the length of the service(s), whether or not the servicewas especially liked by the client or the user (e.g., favorite), and thelike.

In some embodiments, the “Favorite” and “Non-Favorite” selection may bespecific to the service date and/or each service rendered. In theembodiment shown, the user may select a “Non-Favorite” icon 2512 b for aparticular service date to “Favorite” that service date. Upon selection,the “Non-Favorite” icon 2512 b may change to “Favorite” icon 2512 a. Theuser may select a “Favorite” to unfavorite the selection. Uponselection, the “Favorite” icon 2512 a may change “Non-Favorite” icon2512 b. The user may similarly notate favorite services displayed on the“Dispensed” tab 2508.

If the user has “Favorited” any services or service dates on either the“Created” tab 2506 or the “Dispensed” tab 2508, the user may select the“Favorites” tab 2504. Upon selection, the GUI presented on display 2300may proceed to a “Favorites” screen 2560, such as the one shown in FIG.25D. As shown, only the service dates that were “Favorited” on theclient history screen 2500 in FIG. 25A appear on the “Favorites” screen2560. In embodiments that enable the user to select specific services as“favorite,” services that were not selected as “favorite” by the userwould not be displayed. The user may upload pictures of the servicesthat were selected as favorite, which may be reviewed in the future tohelp select a service. In yet other embodiments, if the user selectspecific service date as “favorite,” the color preparation andmanagement system and method may recognize such a selection as“favoriting” each service (e.g., formula) created or dispensed for thatservice date. In the embodiment shown, the “Favorites” screen may employdifferent icons 2562a and 2562 b so the user can quickly ascertainwhether the favorited service date and/or services were favorited underthe “Created” tab 2506 and/or the “Dispensed” tab 2508.

Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25D, the virtual “Manufacturer: Show All” key2502 may be set by default, as shown, to “Show All.” In such anembodiment, the color preparation and management system and method doesnot filter out any services listed on the client history screen 2500 orthe “Favorites” screen 2560 based on the manufacturer of any formulaingredients. Upon selecting the “Manufacturer: Show All” key 2502, thecolor preparation and management system and method may process the inputto then display a pop-up window in the GUI presented on display 2300.The pop-up window enables the user to select one or more manufacturers(e.g., JOHN FRIEDA®, JOICO®, and REDKEN®) from a list. The user mayclose the pop-up window by selecting a “Close” or “Done” virtual key.The color preparation and management system and method then removes thepop-up window and only displays the services listed containingingredients from the selected manufacturer(s). For example, the“Favorites” screen 2560 may only display “Favorited” services that alsocontain one or more ingredients from the selected manufacturer(s).

When the user selects two or more manufacturers, the color preparationand management system and method may view the selected manufacturers asconjunctive or disjunctive operands. For example, the user may selectJOICO® and REDKEN® from a list of manufacturers. If the user'sselections are conjunctive, both JOICO® and REDKEN® would have to be aningredient manufacturer for an ingredient used in a formula for theservice to be displayed on the client history screen 2500 or the“Favorites” screen 2560. If the user's selections are disjunctive, onlyJOICO® or REDKEN® would have to be an ingredient manufacturer for aningredient used in a formula for the service to be displayed on theclient history screen 2500 or the “Favorites” screen 2560. The pop-upwindow may enable the user to choose between an “AND” and “OR”operators.

Upon selecting a service by touching one of the service name keys 2510on the client history screen 2500 or the “Favorites” screen 2560, theGUI presented on display 2300 may proceed to a selected formula screen2530, such as the one shown in FIG. 25B. The screenshot shown in FIG.25B depicts that the highlight service name key 2510 corresponding tothe Aug. 2, 2011 service date was selected.

The selected formula screen 2530 may include the following virtual keysthat may or may not be displayed on the client history screen 2500: a“Dispense Formula” key 2534, a “Modify Formula” key 2536, and a “ConvertFormula” key 2538. Information on the selected formula screen (orselected service screen) 2530 may include the client's name, the servicename, the manufacturer(s) of the products used in the created formula(e.g., the selected highlight formula), a custom name for the formula(e.g., “Lady Gaga Blonde”), a list of ingredients such as the oxidizingagent(s), the volume of the oxidizing agent(s), the bleaching agent(s),the colorant(s), and any other information related to the selectedservice.

The comments window 2532 may, by default, be visible to the user uponaccessing the selected formula screen 2530. The user may “hide” thecomments window 2532 by selecting the virtual “Comments” key 2418. Inother embodiments, the comments window 2532 may not be displayed to theuser by default. In such embodiments, the user may select the virtual“Comments” key 2418 to display the comments window 2532. The selectedformula screen may be resized, reorganized, or the like when thecomments window 2532 is displayed and not displayed. The user may touchanywhere in the comments window 2532 to add, remove, or edit comments.In other embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may recognize one or more of the following inputs to enable theuser to add, remove, or edit comments: the user may press and holdvirtual “Comments” key 2418 for a period of time, the user maydouble-tap the virtual “Comments” key 2418, and the like.

Upon the user providing an input to the color preparation and managementsystem and method, the system may proceed to display an edit commentsscreen 2540, such as the one shown in FIG. 25C. The edit comments screen2540 includes a plurality of virtual keys 2542 that make up a virtualkeyboard. The user may employ the virtual keys 2542, a physicalkeyboard, or other input device to add, remove, or edit comments in thecomments window 2532. The user may control where, in the comments window2532, the text is to be input by controlling a cursor by touching thescreen of display 2300, manipulating a mouse, using arrow keys on aphysical keyboard, or the like. A text insertion point may be a flashingvertical bar, a flashing horizontal bar, or the like. In someembodiments, the selected formula screen 2530 may display a pop-upwindow enabling the user to add, remove, or edit comments with aplurality of virtual keys, a physical keyboard, or the like. Uponselecting the virtual “Done” key 2544, the GUI presented on display 2300may save any changes made by the user and go back to the selectedformula screen (or selected service screen) 2530. Upon selecting thevirtual “Back” key 2514, any changes made by the user may be disregarded(i.e., not saved), and the color preparation and management system andmethod may go back to displaying the selected formula screen (orselected service screen) 2530.

Referring now to FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25D, the user may select thevirtual “Create New Formula” key 2516. Upon selecting the virtual“Create New Formula” key 2516, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may display a “Create New Formula” screen 2800 such asthe one shown in FIG. 28A via the “Create New Formula” GUI on display2300.

Referring to FIG. 25B, the user may select the virtual “DispenseFormula” key 2534, the virtual “Modify Formula” key 2536, or the virtual“Convert Formula” key 2538. Upon selecting the virtual “DispenseFormula” key 2534, the color preparation and management system andmethod may display a “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 such as the oneshown in FIG. 30A via the GUI on display 2300. Navigating directly tothe “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 from the selected formula screen 2530enables the user to bypass the batch sizing GUI software module. In someembodiments, bypassing the batch sizing GUI occurs because the useraccessed it when the formula was created and the user's selection atthat time was saved in the database. In some embodiments, selecting thevirtual “Dispense Formula” key 2534 may cause the color preparation andmanagement system and method to display the batching sizing GUI (e.g.,FIGS. 27A-B) instead of the dispense formula GUI (e.g., FIGS. 30A-30J).

Upon selecting the virtual “Modify Formula” key 2536, the colorpreparation and management system and method may display a “ModifyFormula” screen 2880 such as the one shown in FIG. 28J via the GUI ondisplay 2300. Upon selecting the virtual “Convert Formula” key 2538, thecolor preparation and management system and method may display a pop-upas shown in FIG. 25E. In other embodiments, selection of the “ConvertFormula” key 2538 may result in the GUI presented on display 2300proceeding to a “Conversion” screen.

Referring to FIG. 25E, a conversion pop-up 2570 is shown that enables auser to select a desired conversion (e.g., convert a first color systemto a second color system). In some embodiments, the first color systemmay be specific to a first manufacturer (e.g., JOHN FRIEDA®) and thesecond color system may be specific to a second manufacturer (e.g.,REDKEN®). Thus, the color preparation and management system and methodenables the user to convert color systems of one or more manufacturersinto different color systems used by different manufacturers. Inaddition, the color preparation and management system and method alsoremoves the need for the user to manually convert formulas from onecolor system to another.

In some embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may enable the user to convert between color systems specific tothe same manufacturer. For example, the same manufacturer may sell afirst brand that uses a first color system and also sell a second brandthat uses a second color system. Upon selecting the desired conversion,“Converting” text accompanied by an animation may be presented to theuser via the GUI on display 2300. Once the color preparation andmanagement system and method is done processing the selected conversion,the GUI presented on display 2300 may go back to the client historyscreen 2500 with the new converted formula added to the list previouslypresented to the user. In some embodiments, the new converted formulamay be highlighted in a different color enabling quick user-selection.

In other embodiments, once the color preparation and management systemand method is done processing the selected conversion, the GUI presentedon display 2300 may go back to the selected formula screen 2530 with thedetails of the new converted formula being displayed. The details of thenew converted formula may include information indicating to the userthat the formula is a conversion. For example, a conversion banner mayextend across the top of the GUI on display 2300 with text such as“Important! This formula was converted from Formula ID #14788.” The usermay select (e.g., touch) Formula ID #14788 to navigate to the formulathat the newly converted formula was converted from. Alternatively oradditionally, the details screen for the converted formula may include atable with a “Converted From Formula ID #14788” column that may list,among other things, the brand and/or manufacturer, ingredients, andamounts of each listed ingredient. The table also includes a “ConvertedTo This Formula” column that may list, among other things, the brandand/or manufacturer, ingredients, and amounts of each listed ingredient.This example enables a user to readily compare the differences betweenthe two formulas.

In other embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may enable the user to resolve an inventory problem via thesoftware conversion module disclosed herein. The user may specify thatone or more ingredients are unavailable (e.g., out-of-stock) that areneeded for a particular formula. The user may inform the colorpreparation and management system and method via one or more inputs onthe GUI that the user desires a (1) replacement service or formula thatmay use the same color system as the formula calling for theout-of-stock ingredient, (2) replacement service or formula that may usea different color system as the formula calling for the out-of stockingredient, (3) replacement ingredient for the out-of-stock ingredient.For example, the conversion process run by the color preparation andmanagement system and method may instruct the user to use a differentcolorant if a colorant was unavailable. If a lighter colorant was out ofstock, the color preparation and management system and method mayrecommend an in-stock darker colorant (but possibly recommend a lessoramount of the colorant). In some embodiments, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may instruct the user to use the samedeveloper but keep the color mix in the hair for a longer period of timethan the original formula required to offset the fact that a darkercolorant was used. The color preparation and management system andmethod may also instruct the user to change, for example, the developer(e.g., 30 volume to 40 volume) to help reduce any differences caused bythe replacement colorant.

The color preparation and management system and method may access theconversion instructions (e.g., Brand 1 to Brand 2, Brand 2 to Brand 1,Manufacturer 1 to Manufacturer 2, color system 1 to color system 2, andthe like) from a memory local to the system or from a server. Forexample, the user may select to convert a selected REDKEN® formula to anequivalent JOHN FRIEDA® formula. The color preparation and managementsystem and method may access the server over the internet after checkingwhether the conversion has already been downloaded to a memory local tothe system from a server.

In other embodiments of the color preparation and management system andmethod, the conversion may be specified by the user. For example, ahighlight mixture for a first color system (e.g., brand or manufacturer)may include three ingredients: colorant A, colorant B, and developer C.According to the first color system, the highlight mixture may call for10 parts of colorant A (e.g., 8G Medium Golden Blonde), 5 parts ofcolorant B (e.g., 7G Dark Golden Blonde), and 30 parts of developer C(e.g., 30 volume developer). A second color system (e.g., brand ormanufacturer) may include colorants X and Y, and developer Z. Upon theuser selecting to convert the highlight mixture under the first colorsystem, the color preparation and management system and method mayautomatically display the equivalent highlight mixture under the secondcolor system using ingredients X, Y, and Z. For example, the colorpreparation and management system and method may determine that theconversion from color system 1 to 2 results in 9 parts of colorant X, 6parts of colorant Y, and 27 parts of developer Z. However, throughexperience, the user may prefer a different conversion. For example,instead of a 10% reduction in the amount for developer Z, the user mayfind a 10% increase works better. Therefore, in some embodiments, theuser may modify the newly converted formula using the methods describedherein (e.g., navigating to the “Modify Formula” screen 2880 using theGUI, such as the one shown in FIG. 28J). In other embodiments, the usermay temporarily (e.g., stylist, supervisor, or administrator) orpermanently (e.g., supervisor or administrator but not a stylist) modifya mathematical conversion. By modifying the mathematical conversion from90% to 110% for developer C to developer Z using the GUI, the colorpreparation and management system and method would create a newlyconverted formula from color system 1 to 2 results in 9 parts ofcolorant X, 6 parts of colorant Y, and 33 parts of developer Z. Bychanging the mathematical conversion, the user is able to bypass havingto navigate to the “Modify Formula” screen 2880 after the new conversionformula is created. In yet other embodiments, only a supervisor or withadministrator access may change the mathematical conversion.

While generally described herein as converting formulas, the conversionsoftware module that the color preparation and management system andmethod executes using one or more processors may also be used to convertservices. In some embodiments, on the selected formula (selectedservice) screen 2530, the user may select a virtual “CreateComplementary Service” key 2540. Upon selecting the virtual “CreateComplementary Service” key 2540, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may display a pop-up window. In other embodiments,selection of the “Create Complementary Service” key 2540 may result inthe GUI presented on display 2300 proceeding to the “Conversion” screenpreviously identified. Using the GUI (whether a pop-up or new screen),the user may select a service for which the user wishes to create one ormore complementary services. In other embodiments, the color preparationand management system and method may automatically create allcomplementary services available to the selected service. Thus, thecolor preparation and management system and method described hereinenables users (e.g., novice stylists) to quickly learn complementaryservices.

For example, the user may select a “Highlights” service for a clientthat may have been previously created, dispensed, or favorited by theuser. The user may then select from a list containing one or moreavailable complementary services. A “Lowlights” service and/or a “BaseColor” service may be included in the complementary list of services fora “Highlights” service. The conversion software module may useinformation related to the “Highlights” service to create acomplementary “Lowlights” service and “Base Color” service. In someembodiments, the conversion software module creates the complementary“Lowlights” and “Base Color” services based on the ingredients requiredfor the “Highlights” service. For example, a very Blonde “Highlights”service may result in the color preparation and management system andmethod creating a complementary less blonde “Lowlights” service, asopposed to a deep brown “Lowlights” service.

The user may be able to select whether the color preparation andmanagement system and method is or is not confined to the color system(e.g., brand, manufacturer, and the like) that the selected “Highlights”service uses. The user may similarly select whether the colorpreparation and management system and method is or is not confined to aparticular color system (e.g., brand, manufacturer, and the like) for aformula conversion.

Upon selecting the desired complementary service(s) or simply selectingthe virtual “Create Complementary Services” key 2540, “CreatingComplementary Service(s)” text accompanied by an animation may bepresented to the user via the GUI on display 2300. Once the colorpreparation and management system and method is done creating the one ormore complementary services, the GUI presented on display 2300 may goback to the client history screen 2500 with the newly createdcomplementary services/formulas added to the list previously presentedto the user. In some embodiments, the newly created complementaryservices/formulas may be highlighted in a different color enabling quickuser-selection.

In other embodiments, once the color preparation and management systemand method is done processing the creation of the one or morecomplementary services, the GUI presented on display 2300 may go back tothe selected service screen (or selected formula screen) 2530 with thedetails of the one or more newly created complementary services/formulasbeing displayed (e.g., in table form).

Referring now to FIG. 28A, one embodiment of the “Create New Formula”screen 2800 that is part of the “Create New Formula” or “Color Book” GUI(e.g. FIGS. 28A-28I) is shown. In some embodiments, the user maynavigate to the “Create New Formula” screen 2800 by selecting “thevirtual “Create New Formula” key 2516 presented on the GUI such as onthe client history screen 2500, the selected formula screen (or selectedservice screen) 2530, and the “Favorites” screen 2560. The user may alsoaccess the “Create New Formula” screen 2800 by selecting the “Create NewFormula” key 2536 on screens other than screens 2500, 2530, and 2560.For example, the “Create New Formula” key 2516 may be on other screensor the color preparation and management system and method may recognizea gesture that the user may input on display 2300 to navigate to the“Create New Formula” screen 2800. The user may input this gesture on anyscreen after logging in to the system. For example, the user may wish tofirst create a new formula, and then add the new client to the databasefor which the newly created formula is to be associated. In addition,the color preparation and management system and method may automaticallysend the user to the “Create New Formula” screen 2800 without user input(e.g., after a time period elapses without user input on the clienthistory screen 2500 when there are no created or dispensed formulasstored in the database for an existing or new client).

Just like other GUI screens disclosed herein, the “Create New Formula”screen 2800 may include standard virtual navigation keys (e.g., “Back,”“Cancel,” “Done,” “Log-out,” “Scale,” “Table of Contents,” “Map,”“Screen Map,” “Exit,” “Next,” “Go,” or the like) and other commonvirtual keys (e.g., “Comments,” “Admin” or the like). “Back” may takethe user back to the previous screen. “Back” may take the user back tothe screen the user was viewing before the pop-up spawned if “Back” ison a pop-up. When a user has selected an action or made an entry,“Cancel” may withdraw that action or entry. These type of “destructive”actions may require a confirmation screen. “Done” may proceed to thenext screen or send the user back to a home screen depending on whichscreen “Done” is activated on. “Next” may proceed to the next screen.

Among other virtual keys, the “Create New Formula” screen 2800 mayinclude a virtual “Cancel” key 2804. Selection of the “Cancel” key 2804may bring the user back to the screen from which the user navigatedfrom. Upon selecting a service, the selected service 2806 may behighlighted by the color preparation and management system and methodfor the user. In some embodiments, when the user selects the service,the color preparation and management system and method may automaticallyproceed to a “Select Ingredients” screen 2810, such as the screen shownin FIG. 28B. In other embodiments, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may require the user first select the desired service,and then select it a second time. The second selection serves to confirmthe user's selection and avoids inadvertent navigation to the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810. In yet other embodiments, the colorpreparation and management system and method may display a virtual“Next” or “Done” key that the user must select to proceed to the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810 after selecting the desired service from theplurality of services 2802.

The “Create New Formula” screen 2800 enables a user to create one ormore new formulas, which may or may not be associated with a particularclient. Whether a newly created formula is associated with a client maydepend on one or more factors, such as what GUI screen the usernavigated from to access the “Create New Formula” GUI (e.g. FIGS.28A-28I). For example, if the user navigates to the “Create New Formula”GUI without selecting a client from the “Client Selection” GUI (e.g.,FIGS. 24A-C), the color preparation and management system and method mayautomatically not associate a newly created formula with a particularclient. The “Create New Formula” GUI may query the user to determinewhether a newly created formula (before, during, or after the process ofcreating a formula) would like to associate the newly created formulawith a client. If so, the color preparation and management system andmethod may send the user to the “Client Selection” GUI or simplygenerate a pop-up window or the like in the “Create New Formula” GUI.

Additionally or alternatively, whether a newly created formula isassociated with a client may depend on whether the user selects avirtual key (e.g., “Assign to Client”) presented to the user in the“Create New Formula” GUI (e.g. FIGS. 28A-28I). Yet in other embodiments,the color preparation and management system and method may prevent usersfrom accessing the “Create New Formula” GUI until they select a client.In such embodiments, once a user accesses the “Create New Formula” GUIand creates a formula, the color preparation and management system andmethod may automatically assign or associate the created formula to thecurrent selected client.

In the embodiment shown, the user may select a service from a pluralityof services 2802 presented to the user. The plurality of services 2802may include hair services, nail services, and the like. In addition, theuser may select from a plurality of products or services, such as nailpolish, lip gloss, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, wax, fragrance,cream, body wash, and the like. The “Create New Formula” GUI enables theuser to create a formula for a service or a product. For example,selecting nail polish enables the user to create a customized nailpolish by selecting one or more ingredients to mix together. Likewise,selecting a shampoo enables the user to create a customized shampoo withadditives to enhance cleaning, shine, damage repair, fragrance, and thelike.

In some embodiments, screen 2800 also enables the user to create a newconversion formula that the color preparation and management system andmethod may use when converting color systems and the like. Such anembodiment may include the user selecting the service, selecting twocolor systems, selecting ingredients specific to each color system,inputting the conversion (e.g., ratio(s), percentage(s), fraction(s),and the like) that the color preparation and management system andmethod uses to convert between the selected color systems andingredients.

In some embodiments, the “Create New Formula” GUI also enables a user toaccess one or more formulas that were created not using display 2300.For example, the user may access a website or an application containingthe same, a similar, or a different GUI (i.e., the “Create New Formula”GUI or each of the GUI modules disclosed herein) that is presented tothe user on a personal computer, work computer, phone, PDA, a tabletcomputer, or the like. Once the user has created a formula outside ofthe color preparation and management system and method using the display2300, the user may upload or import the created formula to the systemusing the display 2300 over a network connection (e.g., interne orintranet). Therefore, when the user accesses the “Create New Formula”GUI (e.g., screen 2800), the user may be able to select an “Imported”virtual key or tab to show a list of the created formulas the logged-inuser and/or other users have created and uploaded to the system.

Upon selecting an imported formula, the user may be taken to the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810 to enable the user to the user to choosewhether he or she wants to dispense, save or convert the formula. If auser selects to dispense the selected imported formula, the user may benavigated to the “Dispense Formula” GUI (e.g., FIGS. 30A-J). Theselected imported formula may not be modifiable from the perspectivethat any changes made to the formula by the user cannot overwrite theselection. Rather, the user may only be able to save the “edited”imported formula as a new formula. In other embodiments, saving anyedits affects (i.e., overwrites) the selected imported formula. If auser selects to convert the formula, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may display a conversion pop-up window asshown in FIG. 25E with the corresponding functionality described herein.In yet other embodiments, upon selecting an imported formula, the colorpreparation and management system and method may automatically navigatethe user directly to the “Dispense Formula” GUI (e.g., FIGS. 30A-J). Inyet further embodiments of the color preparation and management systemand method, upon selecting an imported formula, the system automaticallynavigates the user directly to the “Batch Sizing” GUI (e.g., FIGS.27A-B).

The “Create New Formula” GUI may also enable the user to select from alist of pre-created, “salon-approved,” or example formulas. Therefore,when the user accesses the “Create New Formula” GUI (e.g., screen 2800),the user may be able to select an “Examples” virtual key or tab to showa list of pre-created formulas. The pre-created formulas may serve as atemplate or guide for the user so that the user need not start fromscratch when creating a formula. For example, upon selecting apre-created formula, the color preparation and management system andmethod may display the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810 with theingredient fields filled in. The pre-created or salon-approved formulasmay not be modifiable from the perspective that any changes made to theformula by the user cannot overwrite the selected pre-created formula.Rather, the user may only be able to save the “edited” pre-createdformula as a new formula. The pre-created formulas may be any previouslycreated formula by the user and/or other users, or only formulas that anadministrator (e.g., salon owner, supervisor, manager, and the like)selects. From a GUI navigational standpoint, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may process a selected pre-created formulasimilar to a selected imported formula.

In other embodiments, the “Create New Formula” screen 2800 may only listservices 2802. Upon selecting a service, the user may be presented witha pop-up window or new screen that requires the user to select “New,”“Imported,” or “Pre-created.” Selecting “New” may cause the colorpreparation and management system and method to display the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810. Selecting “Imported” or “Pre-created” maycause the color preparation and management system and method to displaya list of imported formulas, respectively. Selecting an imported orpre-created formula may take the user to the “Select Ingredients” screen2810, “Dispense Formula” GUI, or “Batch Sizing” GUI, as disclosedherein.

Referring now to FIGS. 28B, 28F, and 281, one embodiment of the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810 is shown, which is part of the “Create NewFormula” or “Color Book” GUI. The “Select Ingredients” screen 2810enables the user to add one or more ingredients for the selected servicein one or more ingredient fields 2812. The user is also able to editalready populated fields, for example, when the user accesses screen2810 by selecting an imported or pre-created formula. In someembodiments, the one or more ingredient fields 2812 initially displayedto the user may depend on the service selected by the user on the“Create New Formula” screen 2800. For example, the screenshot of the“Select Ingredients” screen 2810 shown in FIG. 28B is based on theuser's selection of the virtual “Highlights” key on the “Create NewFormula” screen 2800. Therefore, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may initially display a colorant ingredient field2812a and a developer ingredient field 2812 b on the GUI, as shown. Inother embodiments, the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810 may onlyinitially display one or more ingredient fields 2812 without a label(e.g., “developer”). However, the ingredient label of “developer”enables the color preparation and management system and method to remindthe user that a “Highlights” formula may require a developer.

The “Select Ingredients” screen 2810 may include a virtual “Edit” key2814, a virtual service key 2816, a virtual “Manufacturer” key 2818, oneor more parts or amount fields 2820, one or more virtual “Show Chart”keys 2822, a virtual “Back” key 2824, a virtual “Cancel” key 2826, avirtual “Dispense Formula” key 2534, a virtual “Save Formula” key 2828,and a virtual “Convert Formula” key 2538. In some embodiments, thevirtual “Edit” key 2814 may only be selectable to toggle ON or OFF oncethe user has entered at least one ingredient. When toggled ON, the“Select Ingredients” screen may display one or more virtual delete keys2815. In other embodiments, the virtual “Edit” key may not be displayedbecause the user may simply touch the ingredient field 2812 sought to beedited. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28B, 28F, and 28G, the virtual“Edit” key may be dimmed, grayed out, or otherwise graphically displayedto visually inform the user that it is not selectable since the user hasyet to add any ingredients.

The virtual service key 2816 may include text corresponding to theservice selected on the “Create New Formula” screen shown in FIG. 28A.Upon selecting either the virtual service key 2816, “Back” key 2224, or“Cancel” key 2226, the GUI presented on display 2300 through use of oneor more processors that are local or remote to the color preparation andmanagement system and method the user is interacting with may go back todisplaying the “Create New Formula” screen 2800. The “Cancel” key 2226may alternatively be used to remove the most recent ingredient added bythe user.

The virtual “Manufacturer” key 2818 may be selectable by the user. Ifthe salon or company employing the color preparation and managementsystem and method disclosed herein only uses one manufacturer, the“Manufacturer” key 2818 may reflect that. For example, the key may notbe selectable and the graphical object may read “Manufacturer: REDKEN®,”“Mfr: REDKEN®,” or “REDKEN®” if the salon or company only uses or sellsone or more REDKEN® color systems to clients, customers, user, and thelike. If the salon or company uses more than one manufacturer, the“Manufacturer” key 2818 may be selectable. Upon the user selecting key2818, pop-up 2570 may be displayed as shown in FIG. 28C. Additionally oralternatively, the “Manufacturer” pop-up 2570 may be displayed when theuser selects the first ingredient field 2812 to enter an ingredient. Thepop-up window enables the user to select one or more manufacturers(e.g., JOHN FRIEDA®, JOICO®, and REDKEN®) from a list, as describedherein with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25D. The user may close thepop-up 2570 by selecting a “Close” or “Done” virtual key, or touchingthe display 2300 outside of the pop-up (e.g., touching a greyed out ordimmed virtual key). The color preparation and management system andmethod then removes the pop-up 2570 and (1) changes the “Manufacturer”key 2818 to reflect the user's selection and (2) bases informationpresented to the user (e.g., ingredients listed from which the user isable to select) on the selected manufacturer. For example, if the userselects JOHN FRIEDA®, the color preparation and management system andmethod will only list JOHN FRIEDA® ingredients. In some embodiments, theuser is able to select a plurality of manufacturers.

Referring now to the one or more ingredient fields 2812, each field maybe selectable by the user. Upon selecting an ingredient field 2812, thecolor preparation and management system and method may proceed todisplay the pop-up 2570 shown in FIG. 28C or the “Search and SelectIngredient” screen 2830 shown in FIG. 28D. If the salon or company usesor sells only one manufacturer, then the color preparation andmanagement system and method may proceed to the “Search and SelectIngredient” screen 2830 (i.e., since the single manufacturer may be setas the default manufacturer or the only manufacturer in the database).In some embodiments of the color preparation and management system andmethod, if the salon or company uses or sells more than onemanufacturer, then the system may proceed to display the manufacturerselection pop-up 2570. In other embodiments, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may only display the pop-up 2570 if theuser has not selected a manufacturer using the pop-up generated when theuser selects the virtual “Manufacturer” key 2818.

If the color preparation and management system and method generates thepop-up 2570, the user may cancel the pop-up to remove the pop-up withoutleaving the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810. Alternatively, the usermay select a manufacturer, which causes the color preparation andmanagement system and method to display the “Search and SelectIngredient” screen 2830. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28C, the userhas selected JOHN FRIEDA® as the manufacturer. The “Search and SelectIngredient” screen 2830 includes the virtual “Manufacturer” key 2818,which reflects the user's choice of JOHN FRIEDA® as the manufacturer.

In some embodiments, the user may not be allowed to mix ingredients fromdifferent manufacturers. Therefore, if at any point while a user iscreating or editing a formula on any screen and tries to do so (e.g., byselecting a different manufacturer on the “Search and Select Ingredient”screen 2830), a warning pop-up 2860 will be displayed as shown in FIG.28G. For example, if a user chooses a different manufacturer after someingredients have already been entered, the warning pop-up 2860 willdisplay informing the user that they will lose all previous ingredientsentered if they choose a new manufacturer.

The “Search and Select Ingredient” screen 2830 also includes a virtualkeyboard 2832 and a list 2834 of the selected (or default)manufacturer's ingredients for inputting information into the ingredientfield 2812 a. The user is able to either select an ingredient from thelist 2834 or type the desired ingredient using the virtual keyboard2832. In some embodiments, as shown, the ingredient field may functionas a search query for the list of ingredients. For example, since theuser has input an “8” in the ingredient field, the list populates withingredient names beginning with and/or containing an “8.” The user mayfully type the desired ingredient or select one of the ingredients fromthe list. Once a complete ingredient name displays in the ingredientfield or the user selects an entry in the list, a virtual “Done” key maybecome available for the user to select.

In some embodiments, frequently used ingredients may be presented to theuser to enable the stylist to create a formula using commonly usedingredients. Thus, the “Create New Formula” GUI saves time for the userby providing convenient “building blocks” of information.

Upon selecting “Done,” the user is taken back to “Select Ingredients”screen 2810 with ingredient field 2812a populated with the choseningredient, as shown in FIG. 28F. After an ingredient is added, anotheringredient field may be displayed. For example, the first ingredient hasbeen entered in colorant ingredient field 2812 a. Therefore, a secondcolorant ingredient field 2812 c may be displayed.

FIG. 28F depicts an embodiment of the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810when the “Edit” key 2814 is toggled ON after an ingredient has beenadded, which displays a plurality of virtual delete keys 2815. Selectinga delete key 2815 may cause the color preparation and management systemand method to display a “Confirm Delete” pop-up 2870. One embodiment ofthe pop-up 2870 is shown in FIG. 28H. Confirming delete will cause thecolor preparation and management system and method to remove thecorresponding ingredient from the formula (i.e., the entire row). Forexample, the user may select the delete key 2815 corresponding toingredient field 2812 a. This selection would cause the colorpreparation and management system and method to display the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810, as shown in FIG. 28B. The “Edit” key 2814 mayor may not remain toggled ON after the user deletes an ingredient.

FIG. 28I depicts an embodiment of the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810after the user has added a total of three ingredients.

Referring now to the one or more virtual “Show Chart” keys 2822 shown inFIGS. 28B, 28F, and 28I, each ingredient field 2812 may or may notinclude a corresponding “Show Chart” key 2822. A “Show Chart” keyenables the user to select ingredients based on visual representationsthereof to enable the user to more readily perceive the differencebetween color systems/lines from a manufacturer. In some embodiments,visual representations (e.g., pictures or videos) may accompany the listof ingredients 2834 shown in FIG. 28D. The visual representations mayinclude actual pictures of the ingredient or the container that holdsthe ingredient (e.g., the tube, bottle, or vessel). The visualrepresentations may also include graphical objects such as icons thataccurately provide information to the user (e.g., a color barcorresponding to the color of a colorant ingredient).

In some embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may enable the user to browse a “From/To” or “Before/After” GUIwith visual representations intended to give the user a “From/To” or“Before/After” impression for one or more color systems, formulas,services, ingredients, and the like. For example, the user may select aningredient such as “6R Light Red Brown.” Upon doing so, the colorpreparation and management system and method may display an array ofbefore and after pictures of clients who have received a color treatmentwith the “6R Light Red Brown” ingredient. In other embodiments, thecolor preparation and management system and method may require the userto finish ingredient selection before displaying before and afterpictures to the user. By doing so, the color preparation and managementsystem and method enables the user to browse a more accurate array ofbefore and after pictures because the array is formula specific ratherthan ingredient specific. The “Before/After” GUI may be integrated inthe “Create New Formula” GUI (e.g., it may be part of the GUI that ispresented to the user after the “Show Charts” virtual has beenselected).

In other embodiments, client data may be assigned or associated with oneor more color systems, formulas, services, ingredients, and the like.Client data may include any information related to the client, such asone or more hair characteristics, age, gender, pictures, locationinformation, and the like. In such embodiments, the color preparationand management system and method may analyze the client data to suggestor automatically choose one or more color systems, formulas, services,ingredients, and the like, to the user that may be used on the client.The color preparation and management system and method may also analyzethe client data to determine relevant before and after pictures todisplay to the user. Even further, analysis of client data enables thecolor preparation and management system and method to identify local,state, national, and global trends. This is especially the case when aplurality of computer systems in a plurality of different locationscommunicate local information to other computer systems within thenetwork. Thus, a client may enter a salon in California and ask for themost common hair coloring service in Europe. The user may input suchinformation during formula creation or selection. The color preparationand management system and method may then provide a list of the mostcommon hair coloring services in Europe over a period of time (e.g., 3months, 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years) accompanied by before and afterpictures to ease user understanding and selection.

Upon selecting a “Show Chart” key 2822, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may proceed to display the pop-up 2570shown in FIG. 28C or the “Visual Ingredient Selection” screen 2900 shownin FIG. 29A. If the salon or company uses or sells only onemanufacturer, then the color preparation and management system andmethod may proceed to the “Visual Ingredient Selection” screen 2900(i.e., since the single manufacturer may set as the default manufactureror the only manufacturer in the database). In some embodiments, if thesalon or company uses or sells more than one manufacturer, then thecolor preparation and management system and method may proceed todisplay the manufacturer selection pop-up 2570. In other embodiments,the color preparation and management system and method may only displaythe pop-up 2570 if the user has not selected a manufacturer using thepop-up generated when the user selects the virtual “Manufacturer” key2818.

If the color preparation and management system and method generates thepop-up 2570, the user may cancel the pop-up to remove the pop-up withoutleaving the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810. Alternatively, the usermay select a manufacturer, which causes the color preparation andmanagement system and method to display the “Visual IngredientSelection” screen 2900. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28C, the userhas selected JOHN FRIEDA® as the manufacturer. The “Visual IngredientSelection” screen 2900 includes the virtual “Manufacturer” key 2818,which reflects the user's choice of JOHN FRIEDA® as the manufacturer. Aplurality of visual representations 2902 (e.g., icons, thumbnails ofpicture files, and the like) are shown in FIG. 29A and 29B. Each visualrepresentation may include textual information 2904 as well as graphicalinformation such as a color bar 2906. The color bars 2906 correspond tothe color of the ingredient. If the color of an ingredient (e.g., adeveloper) is unnecessary, then the color bar 2906 may not be includedfor that ingredient. However, the color bars 2906 shown correspond tocolors. Therefore, the color bar 2906 for the “10B Extra Light BeigeBlonde” will be a light beige color whereas the color bar 2906 for the“6R Light Red Brown” will be a light red brown color.

In some embodiments, the user is not allowed to mix ingredients fromdifferent manufacturers. Therefore, if at any point while a user iscreating or editing a formula on any screen and tries to do so (e.g., byselecting a different manufacturer on the “Visual Ingredient Selection”screen 2900), a warning pop-up 2860 will be displayed as shown in FIG.28G. For example, if a user chooses a different manufacturer after someingredients have already been entered; the warning pop-up 2860 willdisplay informing the user that they will lose all previous ingredientsentered if they choose a new manufacturer.

FIG. 29B depicts an example screenshot of the “Visual IngredientSelection” screen 2900 after the user has selected “Medium Blondes”sub-color line under the “Sheer Blonde” color line from the color list2908 instead of “All,” which is depicted in FIG. 29A. The user mayselect an ingredient displayed on the “Visual Ingredient Selection”screen by simply touching one of the visual representations 2902. Afterthe user selects one or more ingredients on screen 2900, the user maynavigate back to the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810, which displaysthe selected ingredients to the user in the ingredient fields 2812 asdisclosed herein.

Referring now to the one or more “Parts” or “Amount” field 2820 shown inFIGS. 28B, 28F, and 28I, each ingredient field 2812 may include acorresponding “Parts” or “Amount” field 2820. The “Parts” or “Amount”fields 2820 may or may not refer to the exact amount of each ingredient.For example, the user may use relative or standardized packing units ofmeasurements (e.g., “parts,” “tube portion,” and “squeezes”) instead ofusing exact or more precise units of measurements (e.g., grams,milliliters, ounces). In some embodiments, the color preparation andmanagement system and method enables the user to use exact units ofmeasurement. Both types of units of measurement enable the colorpreparation and management system and method to establish a relationship(e.g., proportion or ratio) between ingredients. Embodiments that employrelative units of measurement enable easier formula creation because theuser is generally understood to use standardized packaging when using aparticular color system. For example, the user may use the standardizedpacking without knowledge of the grams, milliliters, or ounces that arecontained therein. Instead, the standardized packing units ofmeasurement translate easier for the user, such as the number of tubes,squeezes, parts, and the like.

In some embodiments, each “Parts” or “Amount” fields 2820 may onlybecome selectable once its corresponding ingredient field 2812 has beenfilled in (e.g., an ingredient has been selected by the user). In otherembodiments, each “Parts” or “Amount” fields 2820 may become selectablebefore its corresponding ingredient field 2812 has been filled in (e.g.,an ingredient has not been selected by the user). When the user selectsone of the “Parts” or “Amount” fields 2820, the selection is processedby one or more processors of the color preparation and management systemand method resulting in a “Parts” or “Amount” pop-up 2850 beingpresented on the display 2300. FIG. 28E depicts one embodiment of the“Parts” or “Amount” pop-up 2850 that is part of the “Create New Formula”GUI.

The user or color preparation and management system and method may addadditional ingredient fields 2812. For example, as shown in FIG. 28F,the color preparation and management system and method may add aningredient field and other fields/virtual keys related thereto after theuser adds an ingredient. In other embodiments, the user may be able toadd additional ingredient fields and other fields/virtual keys relatedthereto without first selecting an ingredient.

While the user can rely on the “Edit” key 2814 to delete selectedingredients one-by-one, the “Cancel” key 2826 may delete all fieldentries. In other embodiments, “the “Cancel” key 2826 may undo theuser's last entry.

The virtual “Dispense Formula” key 2534 may only be available after atleast one ingredient and one developer are entered. In some embodiments,if the user activates the “Dispense Formula” key 2534 without theserequirements, the color preparation and management system and methodcould notify the user with a pop-up message (e.g., “You need to enteringredient parts before you can dispense”). Upon selecting the “DispenseFormula” key 2534, the color preparation and management system andmethod may take the user to the “Batch Sizing” GUI (e.g., FIG. 27A or27B). FIG. 27A depicts a first “Batch Sizing Guide” screen 2700 that ispart of the “Batch Sizing” GUI module. FIG. 27B depicts a second “BatchSizing Guide” screen 2720 that is part of the “Batch Sizing” GUI module.

In other embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may navigate the user directly (i.e, bypass the “Batch Sizing”GUI) to the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 of the “Dispense Formula” GUImodule (e.g., FIGS. 30A-J). When bypassing the “Batch Sizing” GUI, thecolor preparation and management system and method may apply a defaultbatch size based on a system, user, or client default. The default batchsize may include a default hair texture (fine, normal, course, or extracourse) and a default hair length (3 inches, 3-6 inches, 6-9 inches, andthe like). The default batch size may be edited by the user and may beuser-specific or salon-specific. This enables the user to set up thecolor preparation and management system and method to follow trends. Forexample, the majority of clients coming to a particular stylist or salonmay have a hair length ranging between 9-12 inches during year one.During year two, the user may notice the average length of hair hasdecreased to 6-9 inches. The user can change the default hair lengthparameter to reflect such a change.

The virtual “Save Formula” key 2828 enables the user to save his or herprogress while creating a new formula. In addition, the virtual key 2828enables the user to save the formula after it is complete. Uponselecting the “Save Formula” key 2828, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may automatically save the progress orcompleted formula to the database (e.g., memory local or remote to thecolor preparation and management system and method) and assign a uniqueformula identifier. Additionally or alternatively, the color preparationand management system and method may require the user to name theformula.

When the user selects to save a created formula, the color preparationand management system and method may analyze whether the ingredientsmixed according to the ratio specified by the user according to theirparts entry would yield an unsafe, dangerous, or useless formula mixturewhen dispensed. Referring to the example shown in FIG. 281, assume theuser had input 200 parts for the “8G Medium Golden Blonde” ingredient.The color preparation and management system and method may determinethat mixing 200 parts of this ingredient with 5 parts of the secondcolorant and 30 parts of the developer would yield a useless dispensedformula and result in waste. Now assume the user had instead input 300parts for the developer. Not only would the color preparation andmanagement system and method determine this be a useless dispensedformula, but also that it would be unsafe if dispensed due to the amountof the developer being used. Thus, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may flag or warn the user that the created formulaseems to or actually does contain an error. The color preparation andmanagement system and method may highlight any possible issues on theGUI. The color preparation and management system and method maydetermine useless and unsafe dispensed ingredients based on informationstored on the database. For example, thresholds may be set to warn theuser if any parts or amount is set to an amount greater than thethreshold. The threshold may be ingredient specific and may or may nottake into account the other parts or amounts entered for otheringredients in the created formula. In other embodiments, the colorpreparation and management system and method may prevent the user fromsaving and/or dispensing the created formula if the created formula isdetermined to be unsafe or useless. This prevents needlessly tying upmemory with an unusable formula and helps shield a salon from accidentalor malicious actions taken by its employees that may harm customers andincrease waste for the salon.

The virtual “Convert Formula” key 2538 may cause the color preparationand management system and method to display the “Conversion” pop-up2570, as shown in FIG. 25E that may be part of the “Client Selection”GUI module, “Create New Formula” GUI, or different GUI module. The colorpreparation and management system and method may process the differentfunctionalities described herein with reference to FIG. 25E and thecorresponding conversion software module. After the color preparationand management system and method processes the user's selectedconversion, the GUI presented on display 2300 may go back to the “SelectIngredients” screen 2810 or the screen from which the user caused thesystem to generate the pop-up 2570. Information may be presented to theuser indicating that a conversion was processed. The “SelectIngredients” screen 2810 may only display the “converted to” ingredientsor the ingredients of both color systems. For example, the originallyentered ingredients, parts, and manufacturer may be a first color andthe “converted to” ingredients, parts, and manufacturer may be a secondcolor positioned next to the original ingredients. This enables the userto review the conversion. In some embodiments, the user may only be ableto select the “converted to” ingredients. In other embodiments, the usermay be able to select either the originally selected ingredients or the“converted to” ingredients.

Upon changing one of the ingredients, the color preparation andmanagement system and method processes the conversion (backwards orforward depending on which ingredient was edited) and updates theinformation displayed to the user. Therefore, the user need not callupon the “Conversion” pop-up 2570 to process edits to one or moreingredients for a previously selected and processed conversion. Bydefault, the “active” ingredients that may be dispensed, saved, orconverted (to a different color system not currently displayed) may bethe “converted to” ingredients. The GUI may enable the user to choosethe originally entered ingredients to be “active” removing the need forthe user to re-run the conversion. As disclosed herein with reference toFIG. 25E, more information related to the conversion may be presented tothe user.

Referring now to FIG. 28J, one embodiment of the “Modify Formula” screen2880 is shown. In some embodiments, the user may navigate to the “ModifyFormula” screen 2880 by selecting the virtual “Modify Formula” key 2536on the selected formula screen (or selected service screen) 2530 part ofthe “Client Selection” GUI. The user may also access the “ModifyFormula” screen 2880 by selecting the “Modify Formula” key 2536 onscreens other than the selected formula screen (or selected servicescreen) 2530. In addition, the color preparation and management systemand method may automatically send the user to the “Modify Formula”screen 2880 (e.g., after the color preparation and management system andmethod creates a new conversion formula).

The “Modify Formula” screen 2880, which may be associated with the“Create New Formula” GUI, enables a user to edit existing formulas inthe database (e.g., in a memory that is either local or remote to thecolor preparation and management system and method). The existing (i.e.,saved or stored) formulas may have been created by a user or the colorpreparation and management system and method. In some embodiments, the“Modify Formula” screen 2880 enables a user to edit formulas not yetsaved or stored in the database. For example, after the colorpreparation and management system and method creates a complementaryformula or a conversion formula, the system may present screen 2880 ondisplay 2300 prior to saving the new formula in the database. Suchembodiments ensure that the user is able to verify and edit the createdformula one more times before using valuable system resources such asmemory.

The “Modify Formula” screen 2880 may include the same features andprovide the same functionality as the “Select Ingredients” screen 2810described herein. In some embodiments, the value of the “Parts” or“Amount” field 2820 are based on whether the formula being modified hasonly been created or has already been dispensed.

Referring now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, FIG. 27A depicts a first “BatchSizing Guide” screen 2700 that is part of the “Batch Sizing” GUI module.FIG. 27B depicts a second “Batch Sizing Guide” screen 2720 that is partof the “Batch Sizing” GUI module. In some embodiments, the informationand virtual keys on screens 2700 and 2720 may be combined into onescreen. In other embodiments, the color preparation and managementsystem and method displays screen 2700 or 2720 based on the selectedservice. For example, the “Batch Sizing Guide” GUI may require the userto select whether the selected formula is for a complete (e.g., fullhighlights) or partial service (e.g., retouch regrowth with highlights).The color preparation and management system and method will take theuser to screen 2700 or 2720 if the user indicates the selected formulais for a complete or partial service, respectively.

As disclosed herein, a formula may include a set of ingredients in aspecific ratio (e.g., based on the parts or amount for each ingredientin a formula). Batch sizing may create a base dispense (i.e., batch)size or amount based on one or more of the following: the serviceselected, client data, and data input by the user (e.g., free-formediting of the batch size). For example, the base dispense/batch amountfor the same highlight service for two different clients may yield twodifferent default batch sizes in view of different client data and/orinput received from the user).

The “Batch Sizing” GUI may be passive (i.e., free-form) or active. Forexample, a passive GUI may include one or more selections with more ormore screens within which the user may freely navigate. Whereas anactive GUI has more structure, such as a “wizard user-assistanceprogram” that forces a user through a path of actions in the GUI. Insome embodiments, whether the color preparation and management systemand method displays a passive or active “Batch Sizing” GUI may depend onuser preference, experience of the user, administrator approval (e.g.,may be required each time or permanently allowed), a certificationprocess, and the like. The certification process may, for example,require one or more of the following: the user to create a predeterminednumber of formulas using the passive “Batch Sizing” GUI, the user toaccess one or more GUIs within the color preparation and managementsystem and method a predetermined number of times, the user to dispensea predetermined number of formulas, and the like.

The “Batch Sizing” GUI enables the user to modify the base dispenseamount based on, for example, one or more user or computer-selected haircharacteristics. As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, hair characteristics mayinclude texture, length, amount of regrowth, and the like. Under eachhair characteristic, the user is provided with one or more selections.For example, under the hair texture characteristic, the GUI depicted inFIGS. 27A and 27B shows four possible selections: fine, normal, coarse,and extra coarse. Other hair characteristics may be included, such aswhether the hair is chemically and/or physically damaged, the naturalhair color, the current hair color, the amount of gray hair (e.g., thepercentage of gray hair).

The user generally makes the most applicable selection for each haircharacteristic. In some embodiments, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may take or receive a picture of theclient. The computer may analyze the picture to automatically select (orsuggest to the user) the most applicable selections for one or more haircharacteristics. In some embodiments, the picture contains a frame ofreference to enable more precise analysis. For example, a femaleclient's hair may be 14 inches in length. To accurately measure theclient's hair, she may be required to stand in a particular spot or nextto a frame of reference to get her picture taken. The color preparationand management system and method analyzes the picture to determine,among other things, which hair length hair characterization toautomatically select or suggest that the user select (e.g., the 12-15inch range shown in FIG. 27A). In some embodiments, when a picture isprovided to the color preparation and management system and method foranalysis, the selections displayed to the user may be disregarded. Forexample, since the computer may determine that the hair length in theabove example is 14 inches based on the picture, selecting the 12-15inch range introduces unnecessary uncertainty. Instead the colorpreparation and management system and method may simply use the 14 inchpicture analysis measurement to determine the appropriate batch size.

In some embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may apply a default batch size based on a system, user, or clientdefault. The default batch size may include a default hair texture(fine, normal, course, or extra course) and a default hair length (3inches, 3-6 inches, 6-9 inches, and the like). The default batch sizemay be edited by the user and may be user-specific or salon-specific.This enables the user to set up the color preparation and managementsystem and method to follow trends. For example, the majority of clientscoming to a particular stylist or salon may have a hair length rangingbetween 9-12 inches during year one. During year two, the user maynotice the average length of hair has decreased to 6-9 inches. The usercan change the default hair length parameter to reflect such a change.

The “Batch Sizing” GUI may allow further adjustment of the dispenseamount based on additional operator input. For example, the user maysimply input that he or she desires a certain percentage of the basedispense (i.e., batch) amount. The user may also input environmentaldata (e.g., temperature and humidity) corresponding to where theselected service is to be performed on the client. In some embodiments,the color preparation and management system and method includestransducers to read environmental data. Since environmental data mayaffect how well ingredients are mixed, the base dispense amount may beadjusted accordingly.

In addition, batch sizing may be an adaptive system that enablesautomatic adjustments to be made to the dispense amount by the colorpreparation and management system and method. Computer analysis of useradjustments to dispense (i.e., batch) sizes may cause or suggest changesto the dispense amount and/or hair characteristics selected. This mayalso be facilitated through weigh-out and/or re-batching. A weigh-out isformed after service is complete. The user logs-in to the colorpreparation and management system and method to access the “Weigh-Out”GUI module. One embodiment of the “Weigh-Out” GUI module is shown inFIGS. 31A-E. In one embodiment, the user selects the virtual “Scale” key2310 to access the “Weigh-Out” GUI and the weigh-out process. Thevirtual “Scale” key 2310 is shown, for example, in the “ClientSelection” GUI. The weigh-out process enables the color preparation andmanagement system and method to determine the excess amount dispensed,if any. The color preparation and management system and method may useweigh-out data to adjust the base dispense amount for the dispensedformula for the same or different client with similar hair. Additionallyor alternatively, the color preparation and management system and methodmay collect the weigh-out data for future analysis.

Re-batching enables a user to dispense an additional amount of formulato complete a service if the initial dispensed amount was not enough.The user logs-in to the color preparation and management system andmethod to access a “Re-Batching” GUI module. In some embodiments, the“Re-Batching” GUI module may be part of the “Dispense Formula” GUImodule since re-batching entails dispensing additional ingredients. Inone embodiment, the user selects the virtual “Scale” key 2310 to accessthe “Re-Batching” GUI and the re-batching process. The color preparationand management system and method may use the extra amount to adjust thebase dispense amount for future dispenses of this same formula for thesame client or different client with similar hair. After the service iscomplete, the user accesses the “Weigh-Out” GUI. The color preparationand management system and method may use weigh-out data (the amount leftover) in conjunction with the re-batching data (e.g., the amount ofextra formula dispensed) to adjust the base dispense amount for thedispensed formula for the same or different client with similar hair.Additionally or alternatively, the color preparation and managementsystem and method may collect the weigh-out data and re-batching datafor future analysis.

Referring now to FIGS. 30A-J, one embodiment of the “Dispense Formula”GUI module is shown. “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 may include avirtual “Edit” key 3002, a “Selected Service” key 3004, virtual“Selected Hair Characteristic” keys 3006 and 3008, virtual dispenseingredient keys 3010, 3012, and 3014, a virtual “Zero Scale” key 3016, avirtual “Back” key 3018, a virtual “Cancel” key 3020, and a virtual“Register Bowl” key 3022, the virtual “Comments” key 2418, the virtual“Administrator” key 2408, and the virtual “Log-Out” key 2412.

Among other things, from the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000, the user isable to modify the batch size, edit the formula, change the selectedservice, and change the selected hair characteristics. The user may editthe selected hair characteristics by selecting one of the “Selected HairCharacteristic” keys 3006 and 3008. For example, selection of one ofkeys 3006 or 3008 may take the user back to the “Batch Sizing” GUImodule. The user may edit the selected service by selecting the“Selected Service” key 3004. For example, selection of the “SelectedService” key 2004 may take the user back to the “Create New Formula” GUImodule. The user may edit the formula and/or batch size by selecting thevirtual “Edit” key 3002. For example, selection of the “Edit” key 3002may take the user to an “Edit Formula” screen 3090 (shown in FIG. 30I)that is part of the “Dispense Formula” GUI module. As shown in FIG. 30I,the “Edit Formula” screen 3090 is similar to the “Select Ingredients”screen 2810 shown in FIG. 28F when edit mode is toggled ON.

The user may also adjust the batch size by selecting one of the batchsize fields 3024, which causes the color preparation and managementsystem and method to display the “Batch Size Adjustment” pop-up 3095shown in FIG. 30J. The user may increment the batch size up or down bypredefined increments by selecting the up or down arrows shown. In someembodiments, the increment is one-tenth of a gram. In other embodiments,the user may adjust the batch size using smaller or larger incrementsthan one-tenth of a gram. The size of the increments used may be basedon the overall batch size. For example, a total batch size of less than100 grams may default to a one-tenth of a gram increment, while a totalbatch size of more than 100 grams may default to a one gram increment.Other default increments may be used in different embodiments. In someembodiments, the “Batch Size Adjustment” pop-up 3095 may enable the userto select the size of the increment. The user may select the virtual“Done” key to return to the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 (i.e., removethe pop-up) to register the mixing vessel, if required to do so beforedispensing any ingredients.

In some embodiments of the color preparation and management system andmethod, selecting the “Cancel” or “Done” virtual keys on the “BatchSizing Adjustment” pop-up causes the system to display the “Batch SizeWarning” pop-up 3097 shown in FIG. 30C. The pop-up 3097 serves to remindthe user that the batch size may not be manually changed once dispensingbegins. In other embodiments, the batch size may be manually changedonce dispensing begins to a certain extent. For example, if the userdispenses 50 grams of an ingredient and seeks to reduce the batch sizeso that only 20 grams is required for the dispensed ingredient, thecolor preparation and management system and method may inform the userto remove 30 grams of the dispensed ingredient from the mixing vessel.The system keeps track of the removal for waste tracking, inventorytracking, and other tracking purposes. Enabling the user to change thebatch size in the middle of dispensing a formula allows the user to helpsalvage a total loss into something less than a total loss. If more thanone ingredient was dispensed and the user wishes to re-batch, the colorpreparation and management system and method keeps track of the ratio ofthe ingredients dispensed to ensure the right ratio is ultimatelyachieved after the batch size is altered mid-stream (i.e., in the middleof dispensing).

In some embodiments, the user must register a mixing vessel beforedispensing. In such embodiments, the “Zero Scale” key 3016 and thedispense ingredients keys 3010, 3012, and 3014 may not be selectable bythe user, and therefore grayed out, until the user registers a mixingvessel.

Registration involves associating the mixing vessel with the selectedformula for the duration of the service (i.e., until the weigh-outprocess is complete). Registration may or may not require input from theuser. For example, each mixing vessel at a salon may include a uniqueidentifier (e.g., “Mixing Vessel #17”) that the user must provide inputinto the system to register that particular mixing vessel with theselected formula about to be dispensed for the duration of the service.For Mixing Vessel #17, the user may simply need to enter “17” using avirtual keyboard that may pop-up on the GUI when the user selects thevirtual “Register Bowl” key 3022. In other embodiments, the colorpreparation and management system and method automatically registers amixing vessel when the mixing vessel is placed on the scale. The mixingvessel may contain an RFID tag and when placed on the scale, the RFIDtag may be in close proximity to an RFID reader. The RFID reader maytransmit the RFID information to the color preparation and managementsystem and method such that the mixing bowl on the scale is registeredwith the selected service about to be dispensed by virtue of the RFIDbeing associated with the service. In yet other embodiments, the mixingvessel may include a barcode (e.g., UPC or QR). The user may scan thebarcode using an integrated barcode reader, which registers the barcodewith the service, thereby effectively registering the mixing vessel aswell. Registering a mixing vessel enables the system to automatere-selection of a service to perform re-batching or a weigh-out.

Thus, registering a mixing vessel saves the user time by removing theneed for the user to navigate through GUI modules. For example, in someembodiments, upon placing the mixing vessel on the scale for re-batchingor a weigh-out, the system may analyze the previous activity associatedwith the mixing vessel since the mixing vessel's registration. If theprevious activity indicates that the full amount has been dispensed,then the color preparation and management system and method mayautomatically query whether the user desires to conduct a re-batch orweigh-out.

Alternatively or additionally, a created or selected formula may beregistered with a barcode, mixing vessel identifier, an RFID, or thelike. Such embodiments enable users to create and select formulas usinga different color preparation and management system and method notdirectly connected to the scale. For example, a user may use his or herpersonal computer to access a website that provides the user the same,similar, or different GUI disclosed herein that enables the user toselect clients, select formulas, create formulas, and the like. Aselected or created formula may be registered with a particular RFID fora particular client. Therefore, when the user takes a mixing vesselcontaining that RFID, the color preparation and management system andmethod automatically queries the user to determine whether the userwishes to dispense the selected service registered with the mixingvessel or not. If so, the color preparation and management system andmethod may proceed to the “Batch Sizing” GUI or the “Dispense” GUI.Thus, the scale may be more efficiently used since users are notspending time at the scale station creating or selecting formulas.

In addition, a single RFID, barcode, or unique identifier may beregistered with more than one formula at a given time. Thus, when theuser places the mixing vessel on the scale, the system may list theregistered formulas that the user may select to dispense. The colorpreparation and management system and method may analyze the informationto determine whether one of the formulas should be selected by defaultbased on the time of day and correlate that information with appointmentdata. If the user has a client appointment around the time at which theuser is at the scale with the mixing vessel, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may, by default, select the formulacorresponding to the current appointment.

After the mixing vessel is registered, the user may select the “ZeroScale” key 3016 to zero the scale. In some embodiments, the systemautomatically zeros the scale once the mixing vessel is registered sincesome embodiments may require the mixing vessel to be on the scale duringregistration.

Upon zeroing the scale, the color preparation and management system andmethod updates the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 to reflect that themixing vessel has been registered by displaying “Registration” icon3026, as shown in FIG. 30B, according to one embodiment. The system mayalso reflect that the scale has been zeroed by displaying the graphicindicator 3050 (e.g., progress bar), which may be a beaker, graduatedcylinder, bowl, or other mixing vessel. The indicator informs the userhow much of an ingredient he or she has dispensed into the mixing vesseland when to stop dispensing the ingredient into the mixing vessel. Asshown in FIG. 30C, the system may automatically select the firstingredient (e.g., “8G Medium Golden Blonde”) listed in the formula toreduce the risk of the user forgetting to dispense the first ingredient.

The ingredients may be color-coded. For example, “8G Medium GoldenBlonde” may be highlighted in green when selected for dispensing, “7GDark Golden Blonde” may be highlighted in blue when selected fordispensing, and the developer may be highlighted in purple when selectedfor dispensing. These colors may be used to graphically “fill” thegraphic indicator 3050. For example, if the user dispenses the “8GMedium Golden Blonde” ingredient, the graphic indicator 3050 isgraphically “filled” with a green progress graphic. If the userdispenses the developer next, the graphic indicator 3050 is graphically“filled” with a purple progress graphic over the green progress graphic.If the user dispensed the developer first and the “8G Medium GoldenBlonde” ingredient second, the green progress graphic would be over thepurple progress graphic. In some embodiments, the color may also informthe user that the ingredient is selected, being dispensed, or done beingdispensed. For example, there may be three different shades of green forthe first ingredient, three different shades of blue for the secondingredient, and the like. In other embodiments, the color may not bespecific to the ingredient.

In some embodiments, the graphic indicator 3050 is always the same size(e.g., same width and height) regardless of the batch size but may havedifferent virtual volumes for different ingredients. Measurement linesor hash marks may inform the user of the graphic indicator's virtualvolume. In some embodiments, measurement lines or hash marks associatedwith the graphic indicator 3050 may be based on the batch size and belabeled accordingly. The graphic indicator 3050 may include one or moremeasurement lines or hash marks that may or may not increment linearly.The number of measurement lines may be dynamic or static. Thus, whilethe size of the graphic indicator 3050 may not graphically change, themeasurement lines may enable the user to associate different “graduatedcylinder” sizes due to the values assigned to one or more of themeasurement lines (e.g., FIGS. 30D-G). In some embodiments, the graphicindicator 3050 is always displayed with the same number of measurementlines. In other embodiments, the number of lines displayed on thegraphic indicator 3050 may be based on the total batch size, number ofingredients scheduled to be dispensed, and the like.

For example, in an embodiment where the number of measurement lines onthe graphic indicator 3050 is static and linear, and the total batchsize is 40 grams, each measurement line may represent an increment of 2grams. One or more measure lines may be labeled accordingly. In oneembodiment, the first, fourth, eighth, twelfth, sixteenth, and twentiethmeasurement lines may be respectively labeled 2.0, 8.0, 16.0, 24.0,32.0, and 40.0. If the batch size were increased to 100 grams, eachmeasurement line may represent an increment of 5 grams.

In embodiments where the number of measurement lines is dynamic, theexample reciting the total batch size of 100 grams may cause 40measurement lines or hash marks to be displayed instead of 20. Underthis example, each measurement line may represent an increment of 2.5grams, whereas the 40 gram batch size example may still use 20measurement lines. The number of measurement lines in a dynamicembodiment may be based on the total batch size, the number ofingredients, the batch sizes specific to each ingredient, and the like.

Non-linear measurement lines on the graphic indicator 3050 enables thesystem to vary the visual precision based on an ingredient, batch sizeof an ingredient, and the like. In some embodiments, this may involvehaving one or more zones of measurement lines that increment atdifferent values on the graphic indicator 3050. In some embodiments,each ingredient has an associated zone. For example, in one embodimentwith three ingredients scheduled for dispensing, the graphic indicatormay include a first, second, and third zone. The first, second, andthird zones may respectively correspond to the first, second, and thirdingredients. The zones may or may not have different heights.

Thus, the measurement lines or hash marks in the first, second, andthird zones may respectively represent increments of 1 gram, 0.1 grams,and 10 grams. In this regard, the graphical “fill” rate animated with aprogress graphic that may or may not be color-code changes for eachzone. When the graphic indicator 3050 has different zones, this enablesthe user to view the progress of dispensing ingredients that mayotherwise be difficult in a linearly scaled system. For example, a batchsize of 500 grams that calls for a batch size of 10 grams for oneingredient would be difficult for the user to graphically perceive.Instead, a non-linear system may be used to “zoom-in” for the user byhaving different zones that may have a different number of measurementlines, different increment values, progressive increment values and thelike. In some embodiments, the non-linear system may useconsistently-spaced measurement lines or hash marks but the incrementbetween each measurement line may not be consistent. For example, thegraphic indicator 3050 may include 10 evenly spaced hash marks thatrepresent the following weight units (e.g., grams) in a single zone: 15,30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 97, 98, 99, and 100. Such an embodiment enables theuser to “zoom-in” near the end and pay more attention to ensure that theuser does not dispense too quickly and dispense more than the batchsize. For example, in this example, if the user dispenses a singleingredient at the same rate from 0 units to 100 units, the progressgraphic will substantially increase in speed once the user reaches thehash mark with a value of 97. The user may perceive this noticeablechange in speed as abrupt and slow down the dispense rate. As disclosedherein, a sound may also be output by the system to warn the user thatthe target weight is being reached for each ingredient or the formula asa whole.

Whether linear or non-linear, the system may also use a different, butsame sized graphic indicator for each ingredient. For example, FIGS.30D, 30F, and 30G, respectively, show a linear graphic indicator 3050corresponding to each ingredient. For the first ingredient, the graphicindicator has measurements up to 50 grams since that is the batch sizefor the first ingredient in this example. For the second and thirdingredients, the graphic indicator has measurements up to 25 grams and150 grams, respectively. In this embodiment, the user “fills” thegraphic indicator 3050 up to the target weight, and then proceeds to thenext ingredient. Proceeding to the next ingredient presents the samegraphic indicator 3050 but with different measurement line values.

Upon dispensing the selected ingredient, the color preparation andmanagement system and method updates the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000to reflect that the dispensing has begun and provide the user withreal-time information related to the dispensing process, as shown inFIG. 30D. The “Registration” icon 3026 may change to a “Dispensing” icon3030. The “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 may also include a “BatchStatus” information bar 3034 that may display the current, dispensedingredient weight over the current batch weight. A target weightindicator 3036 (e.g., one of the measurement lines or hash marks) forthe current ingredient being dispensed may also be displayed.

In the embodiment shown, the user has begun dispensing the first listedingredient, which is graphically represented (e.g., highlighted). As theuser dispenses the first listed ingredient, the progress “fill” graphic3032 rises and corresponds to the amount the user is dispensing (i.e.,current ingredient weight that has been dispensed). Likewise, as theingredient is dispensed, the “Batch Status” information bar is updatedto reflect the current weight dispensed. The indicator informs the userhow much of an ingredient he or she has dispensed into the mixing vesseland when to stop dispensing the ingredient into the mixing vessel. Theuser should stop dispensing the ingredient when the progress graphic3032 reaches the target weight indicator 3036.

In some embodiments, one or more audible tones or beeps may be used toalert the user that he or she is approaching the target batch sizeweight. Additionally or alternatively, the graphic indicator 3050, theprogress graphic 3032, the “Batch Status” information bar 3034, and/orthe target weight indicator 3036 may temporarily (e.g., flash) orpermanently display a first color when the user is approaching thetarget weight. For example, the progress graphic 3032 and the “BatchStatus” information bar 3024 may become yellow when the user is acertain percentage away from reaching the target weight (e.g., 10%).Once the user reaches the target weight or an amount within a tolerancerange, the graphic indicator 3050, the progress graphic 3032, the “BatchStatus” information bar 3034, and/or the target weight indicator 3036may become green.

FIG. 30E shows one embodiment of the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000after the user has stopped dispensing the first ingredient since thetarget weight of 50 grams was reached within a tolerance range (e.g.,+/−1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 5 grams, and the like). The actual value of49.5 grams may be displayed where dispense ingredient key 3010 waspreviously displayed and the “Batch Status” information bar 3034. Once atarget weight is reached within a tolerance range, the system mayproduce an audible sound such as a “Ding, Ding, Ding.”

If the user continues dispensing the ingredient and stops at a valuebeyond the target weight and is out of the tolerance range, the colorpreparation and management system and method updates the “DispenseFormula” screen 3000 to reflect that the target weight has been exceeded(e.g., the screenshot shown in FIG. 30H). In one embodiment, one or moreof the following may be the color red: the progress graphic 3032 that isabove the target weight indicator 3036, the “Batch Status” informationbar 3034, and the dispensed ingredient (e.g., highlighted in red).

The user may select a virtual “Cancel Batch” key 3052 to update theinventory for expended ingredient(s). Selecting the “Cancel Batch” key3052 requires the user to start over and may need to re-register themixing vessel.

The user may also self-correct by removing the excess ingredient. Theuser may extract the excess ingredient by conventional means, e.g.,using a spoon. In some embodiments, the mixing vessel may includecompartments to dispense each ingredient into. This ensures that theingredients do not mix prematurely therefore enabling easier removal ofingredients. The compartments may be formed by a removal object such asa rod with four planar arms extending outwardly to create four quadrantsin the mixing vessel when placed therein. When the user is donedispensing ingredients, the user may twist the removablecompartment-creating object to stir the ingredients, or remove theobject while being careful to minimize the amount of ingredients carriedwith it as it is removed. The user may wipe the removal object off andput the removed ingredients back in the mixing vessel to ensure theformula is as accurate as possible.

The user may also select a virtual “Reformulate Batch” key 3054, whichreformulates the total batch size and the ingredient specific batchsizes that have yet to be dispensed and/or that have been dispensed(i.e., the amounts of the ingredients changes, but the ratios betweeningredients remain the same). This may also be done automatically by thecolor preparation and management system and method. Thus, as shown inFIG. 30H, the new batch sizes that have been recalculated are the batchsize fields 3024, which are updated to reflect to the new targetweights. In some embodiments, the batch size fields 3024 may include thenew batch over the old batch size. In other embodiments, such as the oneshown, the batch size fields 3024 may only display the new batch sizesto avoid confusing the user. Upon the new batch sizes being calculated,the first ingredient may be highlighted green to indicate the userand/or system has corrected the mistake and may continue dispensingadditional ingredients.

If a first and second ingredient are dispensed without error, but thethird ingredient is dispensed with error (e.g., exceeding the targetamount by 7 grams), the embodiments described herein still apply. Forexample, the batch sizes may be recalculated (i.e., the total batchsize, the first ingredient batch size, and the second ingredient batchsize). Thus, the user would be required to select a previously dispensedingredient he or she dispensed without error to dispense that ingredientto reach the newly calculated target amount caused by the mistake ofdispensing too much of ingredient 3.

In some embodiments, the user's error may be so egregious that colorpreparation and management system and method may automatically cancelthe batch. This may occur, for example, when the computer analyzes theingredient costs associated with increasing the batch size to correctthe mistake versus forcing the user to start the originally calculatedbatch size over. The color preparation and management system and methodmay automatically choose the less expensive option. In such an event,the user may be taken back to the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 as itis shown in FIG. 30A. Returning the user to the screen as shown in FIG.30A ensures the user zeros out the scale and, if necessary, re-registersthe mixing vessel.

Referring now to FIG. 30F, the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 is shownafter the user dispensed 49.5 grams of the first ingredient and hasdispensed 15 grams of the second ingredient. In other embodiments, theuser may have selected the third ingredient to dispense before thesecond ingredient. In yet other embodiments, the color preparation andmanagement system and method may only enable a certain order ofingredients to be dispensed. The order may be based on the batch size ofeach ingredient, the cost of the batch size of each ingredient, and thelike. In addition, the “Batch Status” information bar 3034 is shown withthe overall dispensed weight over the target weights of the dispensedand currently dispensed ingredients. In other embodiments, the “BatchStatus” information bar 3034 may display the current, dispensedingredient weight over the current batch weight for each ingredient whenit is being dispensed.

The color preparation and management system and method disclosed hereinincreases the consistency for dispensed formulas, which enables a userto more accurately reproduce previous services for a client.

Referring now to FIG. 30G, the “Dispense Formula” screen 3000 is shownafter dispensing all three ingredients in the example shown is complete.The virtual “Done” key becomes available and the “Batch Status”information bar 3034 states “Completed.” Upon selecting the virtual“Done” key 3038, the user may be taken back to the “Client History” GUImodule, which may display the dispensed formula at the top of the listshown in FIG. 25A. In other embodiments, the user may be taken to the“Map” or “Table of Contents” GUI module to enable the user to choosewhich GUI module he or she needs to access next. For example, in someembodiments, the user may simply log-out after dispensing a formulabecause the formula needs to be applied to the client. However, someusers may choose to mix more than one formula in a row. Thus, the colorpreparation and management system and method may enable the user toaccess which ever GUI module he or she desires by navigating the user tothe “Map” or “Table of Contents” GUI module.

In some embodiments, the color preparation and management system andmethod may calculate the cost of a batch size amount (i.e., a scaledformula) and display the cost of dispensed ingredients in real-time asthey are being dispensed. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensedcost may be saved offline for analysis at a later time (e.g., reportgeneration on cost or inventory). Therefore, the user is able todirectly associated ingredients with cost thereby creating acost-conscious user. In other embodiments, a user may set a margin limitfor a service and/or a formula. If the margin limit is reached,management approval may be necessary to allow the user to proceed. Themanager may approve of the service, but require that a surcharge be paiddue to the extra use of ingredients. The system provides theowner/manager with the information needed to make these types ofdecisions. This type of information was not previously obtainable byowner/managers.

Referring now to FIGS. 31A-E, one embodiment of the “Weigh-Out” GUImodule is shown. In the embodiment shown, the “Weigh-Out” GUI module mayinclude a “Dispensed Formula Selection” screen 3100, a “Place Vessel onScale” screen 3120, and a “Weigh-Out” screen 3140. In some embodiments,the color preparation and management system and method may automaticallylog the user in once the user places a mixing vessel registered to aformula that has been dispensed on the scale. In addition, the colorpreparation and management system and method may automatically take theuser to one or more of the screens of the “Weigh-Out” GUI. For example,since the mixing vessel is registered to a dispensed formula, the usermay be taken to the “Weigh-Out” screen 3140 upon the systemautomatically logging him or her in so that the user can immediatelyproceed to weigh-out.

The user may also access the “Weigh-Out” GUI by selecting the virtual“Scale” key 2310. Upon accessing the “Weight-Out” GUI module, the usermay be taken to the “Dispensed Formula Selection” screen 3100 to chooseone or more dispensed formulas. As shown, the client formula may beselected based on the client, the colorist, the time, or otherinformation. Once the user has selected one or more dispensed formulas,the user selects the virtual “Weigh-Out # Selected” key 3102. In someembodiments, the color preparation and management system and method mayinform the user of the number of dispensed formulas selected by updatingthe virtual “Weigh-Out # Selected” key 3102. For example, in theembodiment shown, the user has selected two dispensed formulas.Therefore, key 3102 reads “Weigh-Out 2 Selected.”

Any and all information that the color preparation and management systemand method processes, analyzes, transmits, or receives may be stored inmemory (e.g., a database connected to the internet) for later processing(e.g., report generation). For example, each weigh-out amount may bestored in the database. The computer may analyze the data to determinethe most wasteful versus the most cost-conscious users.

In some embodiments, if the logged-in user only has one pendingweigh-out (e.g., would only have one dispensed formula to select from onthe “Dispensed Formula Selection” screen 3100, the user may be takendirectly to either the “Place Vessel on Scale” screen 3120 or “Weigh-OutSelection” screen 3140. If the user has already placed the mixing vesselon the scale, then the user may be taken to the “Weigh-Out Selection”screen 3140. Otherwise, the user is taken to the “Place Vessel on Scale”screen 3120. Upon placing the mixing vessel on the scale on screen 3120,the user is taken to the “Weigh-Out Selection” screen 3140.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 31C, the user is presentedwith the two dispensed formulas he or she selected from the “DispensedFormula Selection” screen 3100. The user may then choose which dispensedformula to weigh-out by selecting the appropriate weigh-out key 3142based on which dispensed formula is on the scale.

Upon selecting the first batch row (i.e., first dispensed formulalisted), the mixing vessel on the scale is weighed. FIG. 31D shows the“Weigh-Out Selection” screen 3140 after the first listed batch has beenweighed. When the weigh-out is complete, a check mark may be shown nextto the waste amount (i.e., the weight of the excess formula). Since theuser selected more than one batch to weigh-out, the system reminder theuser to place the next mixing vessel on the scale. FIG. 31E shows whenthe user has placed the mixing vessel registered with the second batchon the scale. Once done, the user may log-out, navigate back to theclient selection screen, or the like.

When users walk away from the color preparation and management systemand method and do not remember to log-out when done, an “Inactivity”pop-up 3200 may be displayed, such as the one shown in FIG. 32. The timeinterval may be determined by an authorized user or the provider of thecolor preparation and management system and method. In some embodiments,the time interval may be based on the GUI module left unattended or thathas not received user input. For example, the “Inactivity” pop-up 3200may pop-up after 10 seconds of inactivity in the “Client Selection” GUImodule, after 30 seconds of inactivity in the “Create New Formula” GUImodule, and 120 seconds of inactivity in the “Dispense Formula” GUImodule. Different time intervals take into account the complexity of theGUI modules and/or any costs related thereto.

One or more embodiments disclosed herein may be combined. For examplewhen the phrase “in some embodiments” is followed by “in otherembodiments,” those embodiments may or may not be combined.

From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed thatnumerous variations and modifications may be effected without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect tothe specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended orshould be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover all suchmodifications.

1. A method for preparing a hair dye mixture, the method using a scalein communication with a control system, the control system including aprocessor and a display, the method comprising: providing a server thatis configured to communication with control system over a network,wherein the server includes a memory that contains software configuredto receive one or more formulas that define instructions for blending ahair dye mixture using one or more hair dye blending materials andamounts recommended for producing a hair dye mixture; receiving input toconvert the formulas in the first color system to formulas in a secondcolor system; converting the formulas in the first color system to theformulas in the second color system based on conversion instructions,thereby enabling the user to create formulas in the first color systemwith ingredients from the second color system; storing the convertedformulas in the second color system based on the conversioninstructions; and enabling access to the converted formulas upon requestby a user, without requiring reconversion of the formulas from the firstcolor system.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversioninstructions are editable by the user.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe formulas are editable by the user to update converted formula to acustom formula.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first color systemis a first brand and the second color system is a second brand made bythe same manufacturer.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first colorsystem is a first brand and the second color system is a second brandmade by different manufacturers.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: indicating to the user that the first color system formulahas been converted to the second color system.
 7. A method for preparinga hair dye mixture using a control system, the control system includinga processor and a display, the method comprising: providing a controlsystem, wherein the control system further includes a memory thatcontains software configured to receive one or more formulas that defineinstructions for blending a hair dye mixture using one or more hair dyeblending materials and amounts recommended for producing a hair dyemixture; receiving input to convert one or more formulas in the firstcolor system to one or more formulas in a second color system;converting the one or more formulas in the first color system to the oneor more formulas in the second color system based on conversioninstructions, thereby enabling the user to create the one or moreformulas in the first color system with ingredients from the secondcolor system; storing the converted formulas in the second color systembased on the conversion instructions; and enabling access to theconverted formulas upon request by a user, without requiringreconversion of the one or more formulas from the first color system. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the conversion instructions are editableby the user.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the formulas are editableby the user to update converted formula to a custom formula.
 10. Amethod for preparing a hair dye mixture, the method using a scale incommunication with a control system, the control system including amemory and a display, the memory containing a formula that definesratios between a plurality of hair dye ingredients corresponding to afirst color system, the method comprising: receiving input from a userto convert a first color system mixture to a second color systemmixture; converting the first color system formula to the second colorsystem formula based on conversion instructions, thereby enabling theuser to create the first color system formula with ingredients from thesecond color system; displaying instructions for producing the hair dyemixture on the display, including recommended amounts of the hair dyeblending materials to be added to the scale; monitoring a weight on thescale as hair dye blending materials are added to a receptacle on thescale in accordance with said instructions; and indicating on thedisplay the recommended amounts of the hair dye blending materials incomparison to the amounts that have been added to the scale.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the hair dye blending materials aredispensed from current product packaging that does not have specializedpackaging requirements.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprisingvalidating the hair dye blending materials being adding to thereceptacle by comparing a hair color manufacturers' component packagingbeing used against the hair dye blending materials in the formula toensure and validate accurate production of the hair dye mixture.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the conversion instructions are editable bythe user.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the first color system isa first brand and the second color system is a second brand made by thesame manufacturer.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first colorsystem is a first brand and the second color system is a second brandmade by different manufacturers.
 16. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: indicating to the user that the first color system formulahas been converted to the second color system.
 17. A method forpreparing a hair dye mixture, the method using a scale in communicationwith a control system, the control system including a memory and adisplay, the memory containing a database of formulas that definesratios between a plurality of hair dye ingredients corresponding to afirst brand of color manufacturer, the method comprising: receivinginput to convert the formulas in the first brand of color manufacturerto formulas in a second brand of color manufacturer; converting theformulas in the first brand of color manufacturer to the formulas in thesecond brand of color manufacturer based on conversion instructions,thereby enabling the user to create formulas in the first brand of colormanufacturer with ingredients from the second brand of colormanufacturer; displaying instructions for producing the hair dye mixtureon the display, including recommended amounts of the hair dye blendingmaterials to be added to the scale; monitoring a weight on the scale ashair dye blending materials are added to a receptacle on the scale inaccordance with said instructions; and indicating on the display therecommended amounts of the hair dye blending materials in comparison tothe amounts that have been added to the scale.
 18. (canceled)
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the hair dye blending materials aredispensed from current product packaging that does not have specializedpackaging requirements.
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled) 23.(canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. The methodof claim 17, wherein the control system saves a ratio of ingredientsthat were actually dispensed to ensure a matching ratio of ingredientsis re-dispensed if an additional amount of the hair dye mixture isneeded for a same hair dying procedure.
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)30. (canceled)
 31. The method of claim 17, wherein the calculatedinformation associated with the hair dye mixture includes a firstgraphic indicator on the display, wherein the first graphic indicatorinforms a user of the dispensed weight of a first ingredient based onthe weight measured by the scale by dynamically graphically filling thefirst graphic indicator with a progress graphic corresponding to thedispensed formula weight of the first ingredient.
 32. (canceled) 33.(canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled)38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled)
 40. (canceled)
 41. (canceled)
 42. Themethod of claim 44, wherein the one or more selected haircharacteristics include hair texture, hair length, amount of hairregrowth, amount of gray, natural hair color, current hair color,non-chemically damaged hair, chemically damaged hair, or physicallydamaged hair.
 43. (canceled)
 44. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising analyzing, by a processor, a picture of the client, whereinthe processor selects one or more hair characteristics based on thepicture analysis.
 45. (canceled)